Overview
The corpus
callosum is a structure in the brain that connects the right and left sides of
your brain. âAgenesisâ is a word that means ânot formedâ or âabsence of an
organ.â Corpus callosum agenesis is a birth defect where the connection between
the right and left hemispheres of the brain is not formed or is incompletely
formed.
What Is Corpus Callosum Agenesis?
The corpus
callosum is a curved structure inside the brain that connects the right and
left sides of the brain. In the corpus callosum, 200 million nerve fibers pass
information back and forth between the hemispheres of the brain.
The
complete or partial absence of the corpus callosum occurs as a birth defect. Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC)
occurs when the nerve fibers that make up the corpus callosum do not form, or
form incorrectly (corpus callosum
dysgenesis). You can actually survive if the left and right sides of the
brain are not connected, but you may have various problems over your lifetime.
Other terms
used to refer to some form of ACC include:
Partial corpus callosum agenesisHypogenesis of the corpus callosumHypoplasia of the corpus callosumDysgenesis of the corpus callosum
It is
estimated that four out of every 1,000 people have some disorder of the corpus
callosum. ACC is the most common cerebral malformation.
What Causes Corpus Callosum Agenesis?
No
formation of the corpus callosum, or a partial or malformation of this
structure, is a congenital birth defect. The corpus callosum forms late in the
first trimester of pregnancy. Exposure to certain medications (including valproate,
an epilepsy medication) or toxins (drugs or alcohol) during this period is one
risk factor for the condition. Viral infections like rubella during pregnancy
may result in this condition. Another risk factor is chromosomal damage and abnormalities
like trisomy (having three copies of chromosome 8, 13 or 18). Cysts inside the
brain that block the growth of the corpus callosum can also cause this
condition.
Most cases
of ACC actually occur along with other brain abnormalities. Some of these are
genetic disorders. These usually have a larger impact on brain formation. These
disorders include:
Arnold-Chiari malformationDandy-Walker syndromeSchizencephaly (deep clefts in brain
tissue)Holoprosencephaly (failure to divide
into lobes)Hydrocephalus (fluid in the brain)Aicardi syndromeAndermann syndromeAcrocallosal syndrome
Symptoms of Corpus Callosum Agenesis
Isolated
ACC cases, where there is not significant other brain damage, may not have
dramatic symptoms. Mental retardation is possible, but many individuals have
normal intelligence. Seizures are a common problem in people with ACC.
Often,
developmental delays do occur, but may be mild. Developmental delays seen with
ACC include delay in motor skills like sitting, walking, or riding a bike. Poor
coordination is common. Feeding problems and swallowing difficulties may exist.
Some language and speech delays in expressive communication may be noted.
Other
symptoms as a child gets older include:
vision problemshearing impairmentlow muscle tonehigh pain tolerancesleep difficultieschronic constipationsocial immaturityinability to see anotherâs point of
viewpoor understanding of social cuesattention deficitfearfulnessobsessive behaviorsinability to interpret facial
expressiondifficulty with abstract reasoningno understanding of slang or idiomdifficulty separating truth and untruth
How Is Corpus Callosum Agenesis Diagnosed?
ACC can be
found during prenatal scans during an ultrasound. A magnetic resonance imaging
scan (MRI) of the brain may be done on the pregnant mother to confirm
diagnosis. If suspected in an older child, an MRI or computed tomography scan
(CT scan) is performed.
What are Treatments for Corpus Callosum Agenesis?
There is no
cure for ACC. However, the symptoms can be treated successfully. Depending on
the severity of other brain malformations, patients can lead long healthy lives.
Support with medications to control seizures, and physical, speech and
occupational therapy can help.
Source: http://www.healthline.com