What is megalencephaly?
Megalencephaly, also called macrencephaly, is a condition in which an infant or child has an abnormally large, heavy, and usually malfunctioning brain. By definition, the brain weight is greater than average for the age and gender of the child.
What is the difference between Macrocephaly and megalencephaly?
Macrocephaly is defined as head circumference more than two standard deviations (SD) above the mean value for a given age and gender. It has to be differentiated from megalencephaly, which is defined as increase in the size of the brain parenchyma.
How is megalencephaly diagnosed?
Megalencephaly is usually diagnosed at birth and is confirmed with an MRI. There are several neuropsychiatric disorders linked with megalencephaly; however, studies have shown that autism is the most prevalent association with the malformation of MEG.
How is hemimegalencephaly treated?
Because the seizures associated with hemimegalencephaly are difficult to treat with anticonvulsant medications, a surgery called hemispherectomy is often the most successful treatment.
Which side of the brain is bigger?
While the two sides of the brain are roughly equal in size, in most people these parts of the left hemisphere are slightly larger. But like handedness, size discrepancy and language dominance are reversed in a minority; for about 30 percent of lefties, the right hemisphere rules in these regards.
Is it normal for one side of your brain to be bigger?
Hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a rare neurological condition in which one-half of the brain, or one side of the brain, is abnormally larger than the other. The structure of the brain on the affected side may be markedly abnormal or show only subtle changes.
Is Megalencephaly genetic?
Megalencephaly occurs when your brain produces too many new brain cells or cells that are too large. It can also occur when metabolic byproducts and matter build up in your brain. Genetic factors and genetic disorders can cause megalencephaly.
What is the life expectancy of someone with Sotos syndrome?
Prognosis. Sotos syndrome is not a life-threatening disorder and patients may have a normal life expectancy. Developmental delays may improve in the school-age years; however, coordination problems may persist into adulthood, along with any learning disabilities and/or other physical or mental issues.
Is there a cure or treatment for megalencephaly?
There is no standard treatment for megalencephaly. Treatment will depend upon the disorder with which the megalencephaly is associated and will address individual symptoms and disabilities. The prognosis for infants and children with megalencephaly depends upon the underlying cause and the associated neurological disorders.
What kind of treatment is there for bronchitis?
Treatment of acute bronchitis is typically divided into two categories: antibiotic therapy and symptom management. Physicians appear to deviate from evidence-based medical practice in the treatment of bronchitis more than in the diagnosis of the condition.
Are there any signs or symptoms of megalencephaly?
If you have benign familial megalencephaly, you may have no symptoms. You may have normal to advanced intelligence. In other cases, your facial features may have an abnormal size or shape. If another disorder causes megalencephaly, you may have cognitive impairment, seizures, or other symptoms. Common neurological symptoms include:
When do you need surgery for bronchiectasis of the lung?
Surgery may be recommended in extreme situations where the bronchiectasis is isolated to a section of lung or there is excessive bleeding. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for bronchiectasis.
