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Living with Anonychia-microcephaly syndrome

A rare genetic syndrome with missing nails and a smaller-than-usual head, with normal intelligence.

Understanding Anonychia-microcephaly syndrome

Anonychia-microcephaly syndrome is a rare syndrome present at birth that causes missing nails and a smaller-than-average head.

It is described as a multiple congenital anomaly disorder, meaning it involves several differences present from birth. People with this syndrome have normal intelligence. Other minor differences can include a single crease across the palm, a curved pinkie finger, and widely spaced teeth.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Missing nails (anonychia)
  • Absent or small toenails
  • Smaller-than-average head (microcephaly)
  • Differences in the teeth
  • A single crease across each palm
  • Dental cavities

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 genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
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 rare disease patient organizations for support
  • 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
How can we monitor my child's head growth and development?
Should we see a dentist who knows about teeth differences and cavities?
Would genetic testing help explain the cause for our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this syndrome. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Genetic

Also known as: anonychia, total, with microcephaly; teebi-kaurah syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Anonychia-microcephaly syndromeGARD ID 5123 · 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 Anonychia-microcephaly syndrome.

Explore the Anonychia-microcephaly syndrome blog

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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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