Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency

A rare inherited brain condition with a very small brain and head before birth.

Understanding Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency

Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency is a rare inherited condition with a very small brain and head that is seen before birth.

The brain has a simplified fold pattern, and the structure joining the two halves may be missing. The brainstem and cerebellum can be underdeveloped, and white matter is affected. Congenital cataract, a blocked nasal passage, stiff joints, and stiff limbs can occur. It starts in pregnancy and the newborn period.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Very small head (microcephaly)
  • Simplified brain folds
  • Small brain surface (cerebral cortex)
  • Brain shrinkage (atrophy)
  • Enlarged brain fluid spaces (ventriculomegaly)
  • Cerebellum differences

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. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in ZNF335 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)
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
Should family members have ZNF335 genetic testing?
What is the chance of this happening in another pregnancy?
Which specialists should be on our care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesZNF335

Changes in the ZNF335 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: microcephalic primordial dwarfism, walsh type; primary autosomal recessive microcephaly 10

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiencyGARD ID 17498 · 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 Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency.

Explore the Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency blog

Explore research for Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency

Explore actively recruiting Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency 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

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

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

Get Signals for Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Microcephalic primordial dwarfism due to ZNF335 deficiency experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.