Overview
Polymicrogyria (PMG) is a brain development condition where the surface of the brain forms too many small, unusually shaped folds. Normally, the brain develops smooth, well-organized folds called gyri. In polymicrogyria, these folds are too numerous and too small, and the brain's outer layer (cortex) is not organized the way it should be. This happens before birth, usually between the 16th and 24th week of pregnancy, when the brain is still forming. The name comes from Greek and Latin words meaning 'many small folds.' It may also be called cortical dysplasia or malformation of cortical development in some medical settings. Polymicrogyria can affect one part of the brain (focal) or many areas (diffuse or bilateral). The most common form affects both sides of the brain around the area that controls movement and sensation, called bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (BPP). Symptoms vary widely depending on how much of the brain is affected and where. Common problems include epilepsy (seizures), intellectual disability, difficulty speaking or swallowing, muscle weakness or stiffness, and developmental delays. Some people have mild symptoms, while others are more severely affected. There is currently no cure for polymicrogyria. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, especially seizures, using anti-seizure medications. Speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and special education support can greatly improve quality of life. A team of specialists usually works together to help each person reach their full potential.
Key symptoms:
Seizures or epilepsyIntellectual disability or learning difficultiesDelayed speech and language developmentDifficulty swallowing (dysphagia)Muscle weakness or stiffness (spasticity)Problems with coordination and balanceDevelopmental delays (sitting, walking, talking later than expected)Behavioral or psychiatric problemsDifficulty controlling facial musclesVision problems in some casesFeeding difficulties in infancyDrooling
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Polymicrogyria.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Polymicrogyria at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Polymicrogyria.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Polymicrogyria.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Polymicrogyria
No recent news articles for Polymicrogyria.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What part of my child's brain is affected, and how does that explain their specific symptoms?,Should we do genetic testing, and which type would be most helpful for our family?,What anti-seizure medications do you recommend, and what are the side effects we should watch for?,What therapies (speech, physical, occupational) should we start, and how often?,Is there any chance the seizures could be controlled with surgery or other treatments if medications don't work?,What should I do if my child has a prolonged seizure at home?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies we should know about?
Common questions about Polymicrogyria
What is Polymicrogyria?
Polymicrogyria (PMG) is a brain development condition where the surface of the brain forms too many small, unusually shaped folds. Normally, the brain develops smooth, well-organized folds called gyri. In polymicrogyria, these folds are too numerous and too small, and the brain's outer layer (cortex) is not organized the way it should be. This happens before birth, usually between the 16th and 24th week of pregnancy, when the brain is still forming. The name comes from Greek and Latin words meaning 'many small folds.' It may also be called cortical dysplasia or malformation of cortical develop
At what age does Polymicrogyria typically begin?
Typical onset of Polymicrogyria is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Polymicrogyria?
3 specialists and care centers treating Polymicrogyria are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.