NINDS Schizencephaly Information Page

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Schizencephaly?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Clinical Trials
Organizations

What is Schizencephaly?

Schizencephaly is an extremely rare developmental birth defect characterized by abnormal slits, or clefts, in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain. Babies with clefts in both hemispheres (called bilateral clefts) commonly have developmental delays, delays in speech and language skills, and problems with brain-spinal cord communication. Individuals with clefts in only one hemisphere (called unilateral clefts) are often paralyzed on one side of the body, but may have average to near-average intelligence. Individuals with schizencephaly may also have an abnormally small head, mental retardation, partial or complete paralysis, or poor muscle tone. Most will experience seizures. Some individuals may have an excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain called hydrocephalus.

Is there any treatment?

Treatment generally consists of physical therapy and drugs to prevent seizures. In cases that are complicated by hydrocephalus, a surgically implanted tube, called a shunt, is often used to divert fluid to another area of the body where it can be absorbed.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for individuals with schizencephaly varies depending on the size of the clefts and the extent of neurological disabilities.

What research is being done?

The NINDS conducts and supports a wide range of studies that explore the mechanisms of normal brain development. The knowledge gained from these fundamental studies provides the foundation for understanding how to prevent or treat developmental brain defects such as schizencephaly.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Schizencephaly Clinical Trials

Organizations

Column1	Column2
The Arc of the United States 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20006 Info@thearc.org http://www.thearc.org Tel: 202-534-3700 800-433-5255 Fax: 202-534-3731	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
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20009 nichcy@aed.org http://www.nichcy.org Tel: 800-695-0285 202-884-8200 Fax: 202-884-8441

Related NINDS Publications and Information

Cephalic Disorders Fact Sheet
Cephalic disorders information page compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
NINDS Porencephaly Information Page
Porencephaly information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
NINDS Microcephaly Information Page
Microcephaly information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

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

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Last updated May 6, 2010