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Living with Hall-Riggs syndrome

A very rare syndrome with a small head, distinct facial features, bone growth differences, and severe intellectual disability.

Understanding Hall-Riggs syndrome

Hall-Riggs syndrome is a very rare syndrome with a small head, bone differences, and severe intellectual disability.

It consists of microcephaly (a small head) with facial differences, a bone growth disorder called spondylometaepiphyseal dysplasia, and severe intellectual disability. It is noticed in the newborn period.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Small head size (microcephaly)
  • Severe intellectual disability
  • Absent speech
  • Delayed bone maturation
  • Poor weight gain (failure to thrive)
  • Coarse 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 and 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
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); 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
Can genetic testing find the cause?
Which therapies and supports can help with development?
How should growth and bones be monitored?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

Changes in genes cause this condition. A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive). GARD does not name the gene.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: hall riggs syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Hall-Riggs syndromeGARD ID 2586 · 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 Hall-Riggs syndrome.

Explore the Hall-Riggs syndrome blog

Explore research for Hall-Riggs syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Hall-Riggs syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Hall-Riggs syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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