Cortical DysplasiaThe term used to describe a heterogeneous group of central nervous system malformations in which the organization of the cortical plate is disrupted, typically owing to abnormal cellular migration. Marginal zone heterotopies or leptomeningeal glioneuronal heterotopias are one form of dysplasia in which ectopic nests of glial and neuronal cells are observed in the cortical marginal zone or overlying leptomeninges, respectivly. They are among the most common neuropathalogical malformations found in human brains with cortical dysplasia. Although their clinical significance is not fully understood, they are presumed foci of seizure activity because of their cortical location, neurol composition and high incedence in individuals with epilepsy.
Kinda confusing, huh? Try this: Cortical Dysplasia means that the cells in the brain did not distribute evenly over the brain while the person was in utero (typically). Cortical Dysplasia is often associated with Trisomy 13 (a disorder of human chromosome #13, of which approx. 1 in 10,000 live born infants are born with) and type II lissencphaly (which has a long list of really bad stuff that happens, and isn't very common!). Cortical Dysplasia is often associated with epilepsy and their clinical significance is not completely understood. That better? :) Pachygyria Pachygyria means 'broad gyri' Gyri = convulsions Convulsions = wrinkles In pachygyria the wrinkles in the brain are broader and thicker than in a 'typical' brain. The areas of Phillip's brain that are effected are the following: Sylvian Fissure, Parietal Lobe, Temperal Lobe, and the Occipital Lobe (in order of severity from worst to least) Migration Anomaly Migration anomalies are congenital malformations caused by insults to migrating neuroblasts during the third to fifth gestational months. Included in this group are agyria, pachygyria, polymicrogyria, unilateral megalencephaly, schizencephaly, and gray matter heterotopias |
Particular to Phillip...Phillip's cortical dysplasia caused Pachygyria and migration anomalies in/ of his brain.
The areas of Phillip's brain that are effected are the following: Sylvian Fissure, Parietal Lobe, Temperal Lobe, and the Occipital Lobe (in order of severity from worst to least) |
Polymicrogyria (PMG)Polymicrogyria (PMG) is a developmental
malformation of the human brain characterized by an excessive number of small convolutions (gyri) on the surface of the brain. Either the whole surface (generalized) or parts of the surface (focal) can be affected. |
Particular to Phillip...After seeing numerous doctors (neurologists) I was told that Phillip also has PMG. I was not aware of this until our visit to St. Louis. The different parts of Phillips brain are formed differently and he has some broad, thick gyri (wrinkles) and some small, excessive gyri. Depending on which part of the brain you look at on the MRI. Both malformations can cause epilepsy. There is no real explanation as to how this happened to Phillips brain- I believe that God made him this way because He knew what a blessing Phillip would be to so many people.
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About the parts of the brain...Sylvian Fissure - the deepest and most prominant of the cortical fissures. It seperates the frontal lobes and the temperal lobes in both hemispheres
Cortical - of or relating to the cortex Fissure - a long, narrow slit or groove that divides an organ into lobes Parietal Lobe - the part of the cerebral cortex in either hemisphere of the brain lying below the crown of the head Cerebral Cortex - the visible surface of the brain Occipital Lobe - the part of the cerebral cortex in either hemisphere of the brain lying in the back of the head Parietal Lobe - The parietal lobe is separated from the frontal lobe by the central sulcus, but its boundaries below and behind are not so definite. Posteriorly, it is limited by the parietoöccipital fissure, and by a line carried across the hemisphere from the end of this fissure toward the preoccipital notch. MORE ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTS OF THE BRAIN: The parietal lobe is involved in the primary reception and processing of somatic sensory information or that derived from teh sense receptors in the skin, muscles and joints. This sensory information includes tactile or touch sensitivity in the skin, sensation of hot and cold, pressure exerted on the skin surface and the sense we have of the position of our joints and muscles. It is also involved in the integration of auditory, visual, and somatic information by the interconnections with teh primary sensory areas in the temporal (auditory) and occipital (vision) lobes. The occipital lobe mediates the processing of primary visual information The temperal lobe is concerned with perception and recognition of auditory stimuli (hearing) and memory (hippocampus) The sylvian fissure is a cleft arising at a sharp angle seen in both himispheres of the brain, but more pronounced in the left. It is known to be implicated in language function. The sylvian fissure thus appears to be a marker for linguistic capacity. The left-side of the brain is considered to be adept at tasks that involve logic, language and analytical thinking. The left-brain is often described as being better at: language, logic, critical thinking, numbers and reasoning. According to the left-brain, right-brain dominance theory, the right side of the brain is best at expressive and creative tasks. Some of the abilities that are popularly associated with the right side of the brain include: facial recognition, expressing emotions, music, reading emotions, color, images, intuition and creativity. |
Particular to Phillip...The right side of Phillip's brain is the side that is the most effected by the malformation.
The left side of Phillip's brain is smaller than the right side of his brain. He has more grey matter than white matter. His sylvian fissure is almost completely non-existent: instead of a deep crevice in the brain, his is almost completely flat. All areas of Phillip's brain are malformed except for his frontal lobe. |