OBSOLETE: Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome

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Overview

Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome is a rare genetic condition that was previously listed as a distinct disorder in medical databases but has since been reclassified (marked as 'obsolete') as understanding of the condition evolved. This means the diagnosis may now fall under a broader or more specific category based on the underlying genetic cause. The condition was characterized by three main features: microcephaly (a smaller-than-expected head size, which reflects reduced brain growth), seizures that typically begin in infancy or early childhood, and developmental delay affecting motor skills, speech, and cognitive abilities. Children with this condition often showed delays in reaching milestones such as sitting, walking, and talking. Seizures could vary in type and severity, sometimes being difficult to control with standard medications. The small head size was usually apparent at birth or became noticeable during the first year of life as the brain did not grow at the expected rate. Because this entry is now obsolete, patients who were previously given this diagnosis may benefit from updated genetic testing to identify the specific gene responsible for their symptoms. Modern genetic testing techniques, such as whole exome or whole genome sequencing, can often pinpoint the exact cause, which may lead to a more precise diagnosis and potentially better-targeted treatment options. Treatment has generally been supportive, focusing on seizure management with anti-seizure medications, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and educational support.

Also known as:

Key symptoms:

Smaller than normal head size (microcephaly)Seizures or convulsionsDelayed development of motor skills like sitting and walkingDelayed speech and language developmentIntellectual disabilityDifficulty with learningPoor muscle tone or stiffnessFeeding difficulties in infancyBehavioral challengesPoor coordination or balance

Inheritance

Variable

Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene

Age of Onset

Infantile

Begins in infancy, roughly 1 month to 2 years old

Orphanet ↗NORD ↗

Treatments

No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome.

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No actively recruiting trials found for OBSOLETE: Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome at this time.

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No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome.

View NORD Rare Disease Centers ↗Undiagnosed Disease Network ↗

Treatment Centers

8 centers
🏥 NORD

Baylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center

Baylor College of Medicine

📍 Houston, TX

🏥 NORD

Stanford Medicine Rare Disease Center

Stanford Medicine

📍 Stanford, CA

🔬 UDN

NIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program

National Institutes of Health

📍 Bethesda, MD

🔬 UDN

UCLA UDN Clinical Site

UCLA Health

📍 Los Angeles, CA

🔬 UDN

Baylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site

Baylor College of Medicine

📍 Houston, TX

🔬 UDN

Harvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site

Massachusetts General Hospital

📍 Boston, MA

🏥 NORD

Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine

Mayo Clinic

📍 Rochester, MN

👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine

🏥 NORD

UCLA Rare Disease Day Program

UCLA Health

📍 Los Angeles, CA

Travel Grants

No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome.

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Community

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Caregiver Resources

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Social Security Disability

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Questions for your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment

  • Q1.Has my child had updated genetic testing, and could whole exome or genome sequencing provide a more specific diagnosis?,What type of seizures does my child have, and what is the best medication to control them?,What therapies (physical, occupational, speech) should we start, and how often?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments that might be relevant to my child's specific genetic diagnosis?,What should I do if my child has a prolonged seizure — do we need a rescue medication at home?,What is the expected developmental trajectory, and how can we best support my child's learning?,Are there any specialists or support groups you recommend for our family?

Common questions about OBSOLETE: Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome

What is OBSOLETE: Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome?

Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome is a rare genetic condition that was previously listed as a distinct disorder in medical databases but has since been reclassified (marked as 'obsolete') as understanding of the condition evolved. This means the diagnosis may now fall under a broader or more specific category based on the underlying genetic cause. The condition was characterized by three main features: microcephaly (a smaller-than-expected head size, which reflects reduced brain growth), seizures that typically begin in infancy or early childhood, and developmental delay affec

At what age does OBSOLETE: Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome typically begin?

Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Microcephaly-seizures-developmental delay syndrome is infantile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.