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Living with Infantile osteopetrosis with neuroaxonal dysplasia

A rare condition with unusually dense bones and brain differences, starting in infancy.

Understanding Infantile osteopetrosis with neuroaxonal dysplasia

Infantile osteopetrosis with neuroaxonal dysplasia is a syndrome with unusually dense bones (osteopetrosis) and changes in the brain.

The brain changes include a missing or underdeveloped connection between the brain halves (agenesis of the corpus callosum), brain shrinkage, and a small hippocampus. It begins in the newborn period or infancy.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Unusually dense bones (osteopetrosis)
  • Increased skull bone thickness
  • Missing corpus callosum (a brain connection)
  • Brain shrinkage (cerebral atrophy)
  • Global developmental delay
  • Weakness of nerves in the head and face (cranial nerve paralysis)

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 bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in OSTM1 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
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); 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 for the OSTM1 gene confirm the diagnosis?
How do bone changes affect hearing and vision?
What therapies can support development?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesOSTM1

Changes in the OSTM1 gene cause this condition. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Genetic

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Infantile osteopetrosis with neuroaxonal dysplasiaGARD ID 10082 · 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 Infantile osteopetrosis with neuroaxonal dysplasia.

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