6-Yr Old w/ Frontal Lobe Heterotopia

[Scottsdad]

My son ( 6 )was just diagnosed as having two small ( 5 millimeter ) heterotopia in the right frontal lobe. Unfortunateley, there isn't very much specific information online about this condition. How can I find out what type of problem he might face down the road? Can you recommend a helpful resource on this topic?

[Richaccordion]

My grandson was just diagnosed with a frontal lobe heterotopia after an MRI done because he had several sleep seizures starting about 9 months ago (he just turned 10 years old).  Quite awhile back he was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD (oppositional defiance disorder), has had difficulty focusing and learning in school,  and he has had a growing predisposition to yelling and physical confrontation in response to parental or teacher direction or disciplining.  He also had developed a facial tic which we had attributed to the adderoll (sp?) he was prescribed, but may actually be related to the FLH.  Also lately he is showing indications of a bipolar condition, going from apparent loving happiness to slapping his head in anger and self hate.  With the diagnosis of the FLH many things now seem to make sense.  But the imminent question is 'now what?.'

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Please check the links below they may be helpful for you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_matter_heterotopia

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=periventricularheterotopia

http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/55/11/1603

Thanks

[veroniqueb]

My son seem to have the same condition. I posted a mesage in Notes
Veronique

[vega1318]

Don't have any specific reading recommendations.    Heterotopias may go unnoticed for years and years -- we've seen people in their 40s with incidental heterotopias, who've been normal otherwise.   There are, however, concerns over potential for seizures (is that why your son had the scan in the first place?) as well as difficulties with behavior, personality and organization of thoughts / actions.    One can't predict who will go on to develop these and who would not.   I would say be vigilant in his early years but not overly so - don't overread problems as he may be appropriately facing what most kids of his age would be.   But if something comes up, seek help from a pediatric neurologist and behavioral therapist, if needed, as soon as possible and act on it.