Cephalic Disorders
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What are Cephalic Disorders?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?OrganizationsPublicaciones en EspañolWhat are Cephalic Disorders?
Cephalic disorders are congenital conditions that stem from damage to or abnormal development of the budding nervous system.
Most cephalic disorders are caused by a disturbance that occurs very early in the development of the fetal nervous system.
Damage to the developing nervous system is a major cause of chronic, disabling disorders, and sometimes death in infants,
children, and even adults. Cephalic disorders may be influenced by hereditary or genetic conditions or by environmental exposures
during pregnancy (e.g., medication taken by the mother, maternal infection, exposure to radiation). Some cephalic disorders
occur when the cranial sutures (the fibrous joints that connect the bones of the skull) join prematurely. Understanding the
normal development of the human nervous system may lead to a better understanding of cephalic disorders.
Is there any treatment?
Treatments for cephalic disorders depend upon the particular type of disorder. For most cephalic disorders, treatment is only
symptomatic and supportive. In some cases, anticonvulsant medications shunts, or physical therapy are appropriate.
What is the prognosis?
The degree to which damage to the developing nervous system harms the mind and body varies enormously. Many disabilities are
mild enough to allow those afflicted to eventually function independently in society. Others are not. Some infants, children,
and adults die; others remain totally disabled; and an even larger population is partially disabled, functioning well below
normal capacity.
What research is being done?
Scientists are rapidly learning how harmful insults, a critical nutritional deficiency, or exposure to an environmental insult
at various stages of pregnancy can lead to developmental disorders. Research projects currently underway include a study to
evaluate increased risk of neural tube defects and various other congenital malformations in association with environmental
and occupational exposure to pesticides. Scientists are also concentrating their efforts on understanding the complex processes
responsible for normal early development of the brain and nervous system and how the disruption of any of these processes
results in congenital anomalies such as cephalic disorders. Currently, researchers are examining the mechanisms involved in
neurulation -- the process of forming the neural tube. Investigators are also conducting a variety of genetic studies. Understanding
how genes control brain cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and death, and how radiation, drugs, toxins, infections,
and other factors disrupt these processes will aid in preventing many congenital neurological disorders. Recent studies have
shown that the addition of folic acid to the diet of women of child-bearing age may significantly reduce the incidence of
neural tube defects. Therefore, it is recommended that all women of child-bearing age consume 0.4 mg of folic acid daily.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
Publicaciones en Español
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Los Trastornos EncefálicosInformación de Los Trastornos Encefálicos/Spanish-language information on Los Trastornos Encefálicos compiled by the National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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Last updated July 20, 2007
