How are Malformations of the Cerebral Cortex Grouped?

Discussion Cerebral cortex development is an extremely complex process overall. Our current understanding is incomplete and constantly changing as our understanding of genetics and the processes each gene controls emerges from scientific research. Neural cells are produced in the subventicular zone of the pallial or dorsal germinal epithelium. They then differentiate and migrate radially or tangentially to the cerebral cortex and organize themselves to function. Malformations of cortical development (MCD) is a heterogeneneous group of disorders that cause defective cortical development. These disorders are broadly categorized into three areas of cerebral cortical development: neural cell proliferation, neural cell migration and cortical organization. There is wide variation in the radiographic features and clinical problems seen and individuals may have more than one of these broad classifications (i.e. have elements 1 or all 3 classifications such as polymicrogyri). Additionally, the brain may be affected with these malformations globally or focally (focal cortical development). Specific wording and classifications for MCDs are necessarily changing as more information is learned. Malformations of cortical development presenting signs and prognosis predictors are shown in this table, modified from Guerrini and Dobyns (see To Learn More below). MCDs that are more global or that are due to neural cell proliferation problems are often more severe. Characteristic Most Seve...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news