Microcephaly: epidemiological panel of live births in Brazil (2021–2025) and implications for physiotherapy practice

Abstract

Introduction: Microcephaly is a neurological condition characterized by a head circumference smaller than expected for gestational age and sex, reflecting alterations in central nervous system development. Objective: The profile of live births with microcephaly in Brazil between 2021 and 2025 was described, highlighting the importance of physical therapy in promoting the neuropsychomotor development, functionality, and quality of life of these children. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study using secondary data from the "Monitoring Panel for Congenital Malformations, Deformities, and Chromosomal Anomalies." Data collection took place in July 2026, covering the 2021–2025 period; variables included the number of live births, maternal age group, type of delivery, and the sex of the newborns. Results: A total of 1,653 live births with microcephaly in Brazil were analyzed for the 2021–2025 period, revealing a gradual increase in recorded cases, with the highest frequency observed in 2025 (22.81%). Regarding maternal age, cases were concentrated primarily among mothers aged 20–24 (23.65%), followed by those aged 25–29 (21.90%) and 30–34 (17.85%). As for the type of delivery, there was a predominance of Cesarean sections (61.0%), while vaginal deliveries accounted for 39.0%. Sex distribution showed a slight predominance of females (55.84%) compared to males (44.16%). These findings reinforce the multifactorial nature of microcephaly—involving genetic, infectious, environmental, and gestational factors—making it impossible to establish an isolated causal association with maternal age, mode of delivery, or the newborn's sex. The persistence of cases highlights the need to maintain epidemiological surveillance, strengthen prenatal care, and ensure longitudinal follow-up for the children. In this context, physiotherapy plays an essential role in care through early stimulation, the prevention of musculoskeletal abnormalities, the promotion of neuropsychomotor development, and the improvement of functional ability. Conclusion: Epidemiological analysis demonstrated the continued occurrence of microcephaly cases in Brazil between 2021 and 2025, with a predominance among young mothers, a higher rate of Cesarean sections, and a slight female predominance. The results underscore the importance of ongoing strategies for prevention, early diagnosis, and multidisciplinary care. Physiotherapy is fundamental to the care pathway, contributing to the motor development, functional autonomy, and quality of life of affected children.