Cerebral dysgenesis hypotonia?

Cerebral Dysgenesis is a nondescript term that describes improper brain development in utero. It is used oftentimes when no specific diagnosis can be made. That being understood, it can usually be detected at birth on a sonogram by 20 weeks. Prognosis and manifestation is varied, but may range from moderate debilitation to severe, with symptoms that may include paralysis, moderate to global mental retardation, high or low muscle tone, clonus, seizures, feeding difficulties, blindness, deafness and impairment that ranges from delayed milestones to global delays.
Cerebral Dysgenesis means "lack of brain development" Agenesis is the worst stage of the condition. This can be characterized by absence of portions of the brain tissue, with the resulting space being filled with cerebral spinal fluid.
Since there is a great range of severity, each individual case must be treated as unique. Many of the most globally affected children with this disorder display an ability to enjoy life and respond to love and attention. The milder cases can walk, talk, eat and perform simple tasks. Care taking can be very involved, but the humanity of each individual must never be overlooked.
The individual potential for development along the lifespan is totally unique to each person, depending upon the degree of functioning brain tissue available and the extent to which brain tissue is utilized. Every child with this impairment benefits from physical, occupational and speech/language therapy. The life span of a child born with cerebral dysgenesis also varies with the degree of involvement and the ability or inability of the body to handle infections. If the lungs are affected due to lack of muscle tone, the ability to handle secretions or the inability to achieve a productive cough, pneumonia is an ongoing threat. The life expectancy of even a globally involved child can be many decades. Some children with cerebral dysgenesis do not survive past one year of age.
Its very important for the parents of any special needs child to get help from the very beginning. There are many avenues for support available depending upon locale and can include: support groups, respite care centers, governmental funding for special needs day care, respite and therapy, among many others.

Life with a disabled child can be very difficult, challenging, stretching, eyeopening and even heart wrenching. It can also be rewarding and the best job you'll ever have!

There needs to be more awareness about this condition and support for families that contend with these congenital anomalies.
Dr. F
SpecialKidNurse