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Living with Cerebellar-facial-dental syndrome

A rare genetic condition with developmental delay, a small head, small cerebellum, and differences in the face, teeth, and fingers.

Understanding Cerebellar-facial-dental syndrome

Cerebellar-facial-dental syndrome is a rare genetic condition with developmental delay, intellectual disability, a small head, and a small cerebellum (the brain area for coordination).

Other features include distinctive facial and dental features such as large central front teeth, slender fingers, and short stature. Some people have other birth differences that vary. It begins during pregnancy or at birth.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Delayed development overall
  • Small head (microcephaly)
  • Poor weight gain (failure to thrive)
  • Delayed bone maturation
  • Bad bite (dental malocclusion)
  • Fine hair

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 gum, teeth and mouth specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in BRF1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Gum, teeth and mouth specialists (odontologists)
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
Can BRF1 genetic testing confirm the diagnosis?
What therapies can help with development and learning?
How should growth and dental health be monitored?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesBRF1

Changes in the BRF1 gene cause this condition. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive way, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: cerebellofaciodental syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Cerebellar-facial-dental syndromeGARD ID 17761 · 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 Cerebellar-facial-dental syndrome.

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