Schizencephaly is an extremely rare developmental birth defect characterized by abnormal slits, or clefts, in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain.  Babies with clefts in both hemispheres (called bilateral clefts) commonly have developmental delays, delays in speech and language skills, and problems with brain-spinal cord communication.  Individuals with clefts in only one hemisphere (called unilateral clefts) are often paralyzed on one side of the body, but may have average to near-average intelligence.  Individuals with schizencephaly may also have an abnormally small head, mental retardation, partial or complete paralysis, or poor muscle tone.  Most will experience seizures.  Some individuals may have an excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain called hydrocephalus.  Treatment generally consists of physical therapy and drugs to prevent seizures.  In cases that are complicated by hydrocephalus, a surgically implanted tube, called a shunt, is often used to divert fluid to another area of the body where it can be absorbed.  The prognosis for individuals with schizencephaly varies depending on the size of the clefts and the extent of neurological disabilities. The NINDS conducts and supports a wide range of studies that explore the mechanisms of normal brain development.  The knowledge gained from these fundamental studies provides the foundation for understanding how to prevent or treat developmental brain defects such as schizencephaly. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&term=schizencephaly+AND+human[mh]+AND+english[la]&db=PubMed&orig_db=PubMed&filters=on&pmfilter_EDatLimit=5+Years 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/schizencephaly/pubs_schizencephaly.htm /disorders/schizencephaly/xml_schizencephaly.xml xml_schizencephaly.xml V100 The Arc of the United States

1825 K Street, NW

Suite 1200 Washington DC 20006 Info@thearc.org http://www.thearc.org 202-534-3700 800-433-5255 202-534-3731 Promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. V41 March of Dimes

1275 Mamaroneck Avenue

White Plains NY 10605 askus@marchofdimes.com http://www.marchofdimes.com 914-997-4488 888-MODIMES (663-4637) 914-428-8203 Works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality through programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy. V749 National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs

1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700 Washington DC 20009 nichcy@aed.org http://www.nichcy.org 800-695-0285 202-884-8200 202-884-8441