delayed myelin development

Posted By Kim Lewandowski on November 14, 1998 at 10:24:58:







I am an Occupational Therapist working with a 6 month old infant with delayed development of the myelin in the brain stem.  She hase the presenting problems of :  cleft palate, significantly delayed visual skills and gross motor skills.  She is just starting to focus on light and bright toys. The eyes lack muscular control, intermittent nystagmus is present, along with a repeated moving the head up and down in a rhythmical manner.  She has torticollis.  She has just gained a steady head control.  There is an absence of rolling, prone against gravity weight bearing and reaching.  She smiles and reactive to mother and other people.  The family has been told that the myelin develops for the next 2 years and that the child is developmentally delayed.  What caused delayed myelin growth in fetuses and infants?  What is the prognosis for development and recovery?  Any suggested readings?   Thank you, Kim