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Living with Karsch-Neugebauer syndrome

A rare condition present from birth with split hands and feet and eye differences, especially shaking eye movements.

Understanding Karsch-Neugebauer syndrome

Karsch-Neugebauer syndrome is a rare condition with split hand and split foot differences and eye abnormalities.

The eye differences are especially nystagmus (shaking eye movements). It is noticed in newborns and infants. The underlying genetic defect has not been found yet.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. Its summary describes these features:

  • Split hand
  • Split foot
  • Eye differences
  • Shaking eye movements (nystagmus)

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. Ask which tests can help

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

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
Which eye tests should my child have?
Can hand and foot function be improved with therapy or surgery?
Is it likely to run in our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says it is thought to be passed down in an autosomal dominant way, meaning one changed copy of a gene is enough. The gene has not been identified yet.

Genetic

Also known as: karsch neugebauer syndrome; split hand/split foot-nystagmus syndrome; split-hand with congenital nystagmus, fundal changes, and cataracts

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Karsch-Neugebauer syndromeGARD ID 4967 · 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 Karsch-Neugebauer syndrome.

Explore the Karsch-Neugebauer syndrome blog

Explore research for Karsch-Neugebauer syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Karsch-Neugebauer syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

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

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • 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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