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Disorders of the corpus callosum are conditions in which the corpus
callosum does not develop in a typical manner. Since these are
disorders of brain structure, they can only be diagnosed by brain scan,
including:
- Pre/postnatal sonogram (ultrasound)
- Computerized Axial Tomography (CT-scan or CAT scan)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
The disruptions to the development of the corpus callosum occur
during the 5th to 16th week of pregnancy. There is no single cause and
many different factors can interfere with this development, including:
- Prenatal infections or viruses (for example, rubella)
- Chromosomal (genetic) abnormalities (for example, trisomy 8 and 18, Andermann syndrome, and Aicardi syndrome)
- Toxic metabolic conditions (for example, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)
- Blockage of the growth of the corpus callosum (for example, cysts)
Disorders of the corpus callosum are not illnesses or diseases, but
abnormalities of brain structure. Many people with these conditions are
healthy. However, other individuals with disorders of the corpus
callosum do require medical intervention due to seizures and/or other
medical problems they have in addition to the disorder of the corpus
callosum.
Estimates of the frequency of corpus callosum disorders
(particularly agenesis of the corpus callosum or ACC) vary greatly.
Some suggest as many as 7 in 1000 children may have ACC, while others
believe it may be as rare as 5 in a million. The rate of diagnosis of
these disorders is likely to increase with greater access to the brain
scanning technology listed above.
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