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Living with Pili torti-developmental delay-neurological abnormalities syndrome

A very rare genetic condition with twisted hair, slow growth and development, and mild to moderate nervous system problems.

Understanding Pili torti-developmental delay-neurological abnormalities syndrome

Pili torti-developmental delay-neurological abnormalities syndrome is a very rare condition that affects hair, growth, development and the nervous system.

It begins in infancy. Children have twisted hair (pili torti), slow growth and development, and mild to moderate nervous system problems. GARD says it has been described in a brother and sister whose parents were related.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Flattened and twisted hair (pili torti)
  • Delays in development
  • Slow growth
  • Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Trouble with balance and walking (ataxia)
  • Very loose joints

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 genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in HEPHL1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias
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 National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias and other patient organizations
  • 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 we have genetic testing for HEPHL1, and should family members be tested?
Which therapies could help with balance, walking and development?
Which specialists should be on our care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startInfant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesHEPHL1

Changes in the HEPHL1 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticSkin

Also known as: abnormal hair, joint laxity, and developmental delay

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Pili torti-developmental delay-neurological abnormalities syndromeGARD ID 4362 · 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 Pili torti-developmental delay-neurological abnormalities syndrome.

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