Bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria
A rare neurological disorder affecting brain development
Bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria | |
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Synonyms | BFPP |
Pronounce | /ˌbaɪ.ləˈlæt.ər.əl ˌfrʌn.toʊˌpær.iˈiː.təl ˌpɒl.i.maɪˈkɹoʊ.dʒaɪ.ri.ə/ |
Field | Neurology, Medical genetics |
Symptoms | Developmental delay, intellectual disability, seizures, hypotonia, strabismus, cerebellar ataxia |
Complications | Epilepsy, motor and cognitive impairments |
Onset | Infancy or early childhood |
Duration | Lifelong |
Types | Genetic cortical malformation |
Causes | Mutations in the GPR56 gene (autosomal recessive inheritance) |
Risks | Family history, consanguinity |
Diagnosis | MRI imaging, genetic testing |
Differential diagnosis | Other forms of polymicrogyria, lissencephaly, cerebral palsy |
Prevention | Genetic counseling for at-risk families |
Treatment | Supportive care, physical and speech therapy, seizure control |
Medication | Antiepileptic drugs for seizures |
Prognosis | Varies; developmental and neurological outcomes differ by severity |
Frequency | Very rare |
Deaths | Depends on severity; not typically fatal |

Bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria (BFPP) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by abnormal development of the cerebral cortex, specifically affecting the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain. This condition is a form of polymicrogyria, which involves the presence of an excessive number of small, irregularly formed gyri on the surface of the brain.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
Polymicrogyria results from abnormal neuronal migration during embryonic development, leading to the formation of multiple small gyri. In BFPP, this malformation is bilateral and predominantly affects the frontoparietal regions. The abnormal cortical development can disrupt normal brain function, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms.
Genetics[edit | edit source]
BFPP is often associated with mutations in the GPR56 gene, which plays a crucial role in brain development. This gene provides instructions for making a protein involved in the regulation of cell adhesion and cell signaling, processes essential for the proper formation of the cerebral cortex. The condition is typically inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations.
Clinical Features[edit | edit source]
Individuals with BFPP may present with a range of neurological symptoms, including:
The severity of symptoms can vary widely among affected individuals, even within the same family.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of BFPP is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, neuroimaging, and genetic testing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is used to identify the characteristic pattern of polymicrogyria in the frontoparietal regions. Genetic testing can confirm mutations in the GPR56 gene.
Management[edit | edit source]
There is currently no cure for BFPP, and treatment is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Management strategies may include:
- Anticonvulsant medications to control seizures
- Physical therapy to improve motor function
- Occupational therapy to enhance daily living skills
- Speech therapy to address communication difficulties
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for individuals with BFPP varies depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of associated complications. Early intervention and supportive therapies can improve quality of life and functional outcomes.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
- Bilateral Frontalparietal Polymicrogyria at NIH's Office of Rare Diseases
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD