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Living with ALG1-congenital disorder of glycosylation

An inherited condition starting in infancy that can affect several body systems, with developmental delay, seizures, and low muscle tone.

Understanding ALG1-congenital disorder of glycosylation

ALG1-congenital disorder of glycosylation (ALG1-CDG) is an inherited disorder that can affect several body systems.

Signs usually start in infancy. Many people have intellectual disability, delayed development, and weak muscle tone. Many have seizures that can be hard to treat. Blood clotting problems and low levels of antibodies, especially IgG, can make infections harder to fight. It is also known as congenital disorder of glycosylation type Ik.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Delayed development
  • Seizures
  • Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Blood clotting problems
  • Crossed eyes (strabismus)
  • Ongoing diarrhea

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists, genetic specialists and seizure and epilepsy specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in ALG1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    CDG CARE and Epilepsy Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Seizure and epilepsy specialists (epileptologist)
Expert care
Expert lists: CDG CARE, Epilepsy Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with CDG CARE and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Is genetic testing for ALG1 available for our family?
How should blood clotting and antibody levels be checked?
What can help with seizures and development?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesALG1

Changes in the ALG1 gene cause this condition. A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive).

GeneticNeurologicalInherited Metabolic

Also known as: alg1 congenital disorder of glycosylation; alg1-cdg; alg1-cdg - asparagine-linked glycosylation 1 congenital disorder of glycosylation; alg1-cdg (cdg-ik); asparagine-linked glycosylation 1 congenital disorder of glycosylation; carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome type ik

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · ALG1-congenital disorder of glycosylationGARD ID 9838 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with ALG1-congenital disorder of glycosylation.

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