Microcephaly is a rare condition in which the circumference of the head is smaller than normal, because the brain has either not developed as expected or has stopped growing. Microcephaly can be present at birth or it may develop in the first few years of life.
Microcephaly is often associated with a range of other syndromes and therefore some people with microcephaly will have mild to moderate impairment, while others may not be noticeably affected.
Symptoms and characteristics
Depending on the severity and whether there is an associated syndrome or condition, people with microcephaly may have no obvious effects except a smaller head or may have:
- delayed growth and development, including delayed speech
- epilepsy
- hypotonia or low muscle tone
- intellectual impairment
- shortened stature
- hyperactivity
- altered balance and coordination
- spastic hemiplegia which is slight paralysis and shortening of the muscles.
For more information on the above symptoms and characteristics please see the following links:
Workplace adjustments and solutions
Depending on the effects of the microcephalus there are various factors that may assist people to manage their condition within the workplace. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, including:
- ensuring wheelchair or walking aid accessibility to all areas of the workplace, including kitchen and bathroom amenities, workspace and other doorways or emergency exits
- installation of ramps and automatic door openers for independent building access
- set up of kitchen amenities, office or workplace supplies, equipment and furniture which allows for independent access
- workstation and ergonomic chair adjustments specific to a person’s needs
- if the person has epilepsy, to drive work vehicles only if medically certified to do so
- if having difficulty with memory, use memory aids such as job task boards, lists, task cards, computer prompts or alarms such as watches or timers
- build in time for breaks at work to avoid fatigue which can trigger epileptic seizures.
For people with associated epilepsy that is uncontrolled, the following may also be required:
- removing sharp corners and adding padding to the edges of workstations, along with the addition of anti-fatigue matting or carpet to hard floors to reduce risk of injury in the event of a seizure
- avoid the use of, or working around, unguarded machinery or tools which could cause injury in the event of a seizure
- avoid working from heights such as on scaffolding or ladders, around bodies of water or the use of firearms to reduce risk of injury in the event of a seizure.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work independently and productively. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements related to microcephaly:
References
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 2008, NINDS Microcephaly Information Page, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, viewed 8 November 2011, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/microcephaly/microcephaly.htm.
Epilepsy Action Australia (no date specified), Lifestyle Issues—Travel, Epilepsy Action, Sydney, viewed 8 November 2011, http://www.epilepsy.org.au/living_with_epilepsy/lifestyle_issues/travel.
Epilepsy Action Australia (no date specified), Lifestyle Issues—Memory, Epilepsy Action, Sydney, viewed 8 November 2011, http://www.epilepsy.org.au/living_with_epilepsy/lifestyle_issues/memory.
Epilepsy Action Australia (no date specified), Lifestyle Issues—Driving, Epilepsy Action, Sydney, viewed 8 November 2011, http://www.epilepsy.org.au/living_with_epilepsy/lifestyle_issues/driving.