Causes
Researchers believe that there are several possible causes of lissencephaly. It may be caused by injury to the fetus during its development, such as from a viral infection or insufficient blood flow to the brain. Another cause may be a genetic mutation. Researchers have identified two genes associated with lissencephaly. One is on Chromosome 17, named LIS1. The other is on the X chromosome (named XLIS or Doublecortin). Whether lissencephaly can be inherited is not yet clear.
Diagnosis
It may not be apparent at birth that a child has lissencephaly, because outwardly the child may appear healthy and normal. However, around ages 2 to 6 months, the parents notice that the child is not developing normally. Seizures may start to occur, including a severe type called infantile spasms. It may be difficult to get the seizures under control.
If lissencephaly is suspected based on the child's symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT scan) can look at the brain and confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms
Like other disorders, lissencephaly can occur in varying degrees. Generally, though, the child will have:
- mental retardation
- seizure disorder
- difficulty swallowing and eating
- difficulty controlling his/her muscles
- stiffness or spasticity of arms and legs
- slowed growth and developmental delays
Treatment
There is no way to reverse the effects of lissencephaly. However, some of the problems children with lissencephaly can develop, such as muscle contractures or pneumonia, may be prevented through good medical care and physical and occupational therapy. Each child can be assisted to reach his/her potential level of development.
Clinical trial needs participants
Children with lissencephaly are being sought for the Human Epilepsy Genetics--Neuronal Migration Disorders Study. The Web site states, "The purpose of this study is to identify genes responsible for epilepsy and disorders of human cognition." ClinicalTrials.gov has more information about the study.
Last updated 2/1/06
Information for this article was taken from:
- Dobyns, W. B. (1991). Lissencephaly Information for Parents. Available at The Lissencephaly Network.
- National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2002). Lissencephaly.
- Reiner, O., & Lombroso, P. J. (1998). Development of the cerebral cortex: Lissencephaly. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry, vol. 27 no. 2, pp. 231-232.
