The human brain is a virtual machine. It helps us make decisions, process information and create works of imagination. It also keeps us alive. As it is developing, the brain is incredibly fragile and any disruption in that development can cause lifelong health impairments.
One of these impairments is microcephaly. The brain does not develop at a normal rate or reach a typical size. Children with this condition have heads that are small than those of peers the same gender and age. Not only is the head smaller, but children may be dealt a host of complications including developmental delays and cognitive deficits.
Microcephaly can have genetic components or be caused by medical negligence or error. For example, a lack of oxygen to the developing fetal brain can lead to this condition. The condition is a rare one, affecting only about 25,000 infants each year.