Living with Polymicrogyria
A condition in which the brain develops too many small folds before birth, with effects that range from none to severe.
Understanding Polymicrogyria
It can affect part of the brain or the whole brain, on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). Signs depend on how much of the brain is affected. The mildest form may cause few or no problems or mild, easily controlled seizures. Bilateral forms can cause repeated seizures, delayed development, crossed eyes, speech and swallowing problems, and muscle weakness. The most severe form affects the whole brain.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a full symptom list for this condition. It describes these signs, which depend on the form:
- Seizures (epilepsy)
- Delayed development
- Crossed eyes
- Problems with speech and swallowing
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Intellectual disability in more severe forms
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists, genetic specialists and seizure and epilepsy specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
PMG Awareness Organization and Epilepsy Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Seizure and epilepsy specialists (epileptologist)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: PMG Awareness Organization, Epilepsy Foundation
- 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 PMG Awareness Organization 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
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It can be inherited in an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or X-linked pattern.
Also known as: micropolygyria; more grooves in brain
Patient organizations
- PMG Awareness OrganizationPolymicrogyria · United States
- Epilepsy FoundationEpilepsy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Polymicrogyria.
Explore research for Polymicrogyria
Explore actively recruiting Polymicrogyria studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Polymicrogyria 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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