Lissencephaly
Information Page |
NINDS is part of the
National Institutes of
Health
Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Lissencephaly?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information
What is Lissencephaly?
Lissencephaly, which literally means "smooth brain," is a rare, gene-linked brain malformation characterized by the absence
of normal convolutions (folds) in the cerebral cortex and an abnormally small head (microcephaly). It is caused during embryonic
development by defective neuronal migration, the process in which nerve cells move from their place of origin to their permanent
location. Symptoms of the disorder may include unusual facial appearance, difficulty swallowing, failure to thrive, muscle
spasms, seizures, and severe psychomotor retardation. Hands, fingers, or toes may be deformed. Lissencephaly may be associated
with other diseases including isolated lissencephaly sequence, Miller-Dieker syndrome, and Walker-Warburg syndrome.
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Lissencephaly Network 10408 Bitterroot Court Ft. Wayne, IN 46804 LissencephalyOne@aol.com http://www.lissencephaly.org Tel: 260-432-4310 Fax: 260-432-4310 |
March of Dimes Foundation 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605 askus@marchofdimes.com http://www.marchofdimes.com Tel: 914-428-7100 888-MODIMES (663-4637) Fax: 914-428-8203 |
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968 (55 Kenosia Avenue) Danbury, CT 06813-1968 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291 |
The Arc of the United States 1010 Wayne Avenue Suite 650 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Info@thearc.org http://www.thearc.org Tel: 301-565-3842 Fax: 301-565-3843 or -5342 |
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 February 13, 2008