Agenesis of the corpus callosum is a disease that occurs when the nerve fibers that compose it do not form correctly. The corpus callosum has the function of establishing a connection between the cerebral hemispheres, right and left, allowing the transmission of information between them.
Despite being asymptomatic most of the time, in some cases the brain disconnection syndrome can occur, in which learning and memory are not shared between the two hemispheres of the brain, which can lead to the occurrence of symptoms, such as decreased muscle tone, headache, seizures, among others.
Possible causes
Agenesis of the corpus callosum is a disease caused by a birth defect that consists of a disruption of brain cell migration during fetal development, which may occur due to chromosomal defects, viral infections in the mother, exposure of the fetus to certain toxins and medications or due to the presence of cysts in the brain.
What are the symptoms
Generally, agenesis of the corpus callosum is asymptomatic, however, in some cases symptoms such as seizures, delays in cognitive development, difficulty in eating or swallowing, delays in motor development, visual and hearing impairments, difficulties in muscle coordination, problems with sleep and insomnia, attention deficit, obsessive behaviors and learning problems.
What is the diagnosis
The diagnosis can be made during pregnancy and the agenesis of the corpus callosum can still be detected in prenatal care, through ultrasound.
When not diagnosed early, this disease can be easily detected through a clinical examination associated with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
How the treatment is done
The agenesis of the corpus callosum has no cure, that is, it is not possible to restore the corpus callosum. Generally, treatment consists of controlling symptoms and seizures and improving the individual's quality of life.
For this, the doctor can prescribe medication to control seizures and recommend speech therapy sessions, physical therapy to improve muscle strength and coordination, occupational therapy to improve the ability to eat, dress or walk, for example, and provide special education conditions for the child, to assist in learning problems.
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Bibliography
- BARBOSA, Ana Mirella Muniz et. al .. Partial Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: A Case Report in a Pediatric Patient. Brazilian Journal of Surgery and Clinical Research. 21. 3; 56-58, 2018
- BRAIN FOUNDATION. Agenesis Corpus Callosum. Available in: . Accessed on 16 May 2019
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE. Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum Information Page. Available in: . Accessed on 16 May 2019
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