NINDS Absence of the Septum Pellucidum Information Page

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Absence of the Septum Pellucidum?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Clinical Trials
Organizations

What is Absence of the Septum Pellucidum?

The septum pellucidum (SP) is a thin membrane located at the midline of the brain. Children who are born without this membraine and also have other abnormalities--pituitary deficiencies and abnormal development of the optic disk--have a disorder known as septo-optic dysplasia. More information about this condition can be located at the NINDS Septo-Optic Dysplasia Information Page.

Is there any treatment?

Absence of the SP alone is not a disorder but is instead a characteristic noted in children with septo-optic dysplasia.

What is the prognosis?

The absence of the septum pellucidum alone is not a disorder. However, when it is part of septo-optic dysplasia the prognosis varies according to the presence and severity of associated symptoms.

What research is being done?

The NINDS conducts and supports a wide range of studies that explore the complex mechanisms of normal brain development. The knowledge gained from these fundamental studies provides the foundation for understanding how this process can go awry and, thus, offers hope for new means to treat and prevent developmental brain disorders.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Absence of the Septum Pellucidum Clinical Trials

Organizations

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National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) 55 Kenosia Avenue Danbury, CT 06810 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291	March of Dimes 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605 askus@marchofdimes.com http://www.marchofdimes.com Tel: 914-997-4488 888-MODIMES (663-4637) Fax: 914-428-8203

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Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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Last updated February 7, 2011