What is Corpus Callosum?

Corpus callosum is a rare type of congenital brain defect in which Corpus callosum does not develop properly or at all. Corpus Callosum is a large bundle of nerve fibers, which serves as a primary path for electrical communication between the left and right hemisphere of the brain. If the structure is not fully intact, one may have difficulty thinking, solving problems, interaction with others and coordinating the body movements. There is no cure for Corpus Callosum agenesis and treatment measures are of supportive nature. With the support of family, doctors and special educational programs, many patients with disorder are eventually able to lead somewhat independent lives.

Causes of Corpus Callosum are not well understood, but many different factors can be involved. Some evidence suggests that inherited or spontaneous genetic mutation can predispten infants with disorder. Fetal injury during an early dweller, such as physical trauma, infection or drug abuse or alcohol, can also lead to badin nerve growth in the new brain. Corpus callosum can only be partially developed or completely missing at birth.

The severity of the symptoms can vary very much with Corpus Callosum agenesis. Some infants do not show unusual properties for two years or longer after birth. Many small children with this situation are able to keep up with their peers about tasks such as reading, speaking, walking and basic work at elementary school. In serious cases, however, infants apparently suffer from mental retardation, difficulties of movement and feeding and seizure disorders. They may have other physical defects and life -threatening heart or pulmonary conditions.

The youngest cases of Agenesis Corpus Callosum become problematic until children reach about 10 or 11. Corpus callosum is almost fully functional and developed in healthy children of this age, allowing them to build skills in abstract thinking, problem solving problemsand social interactions. Children and Adolescents with Corpus Callosum Agenesis may not be able to develop such skills, even if they have average intelligence. They may have problems with mathematical and critical thinking problems, empathize with others and pick up body language and spoken allusions during the conversation.

There are no specific treatments for patients diagnosed with corpus callosum agenesis. Doctors and therapists seek to educate family members about disorder and explain what they can do to facilitate their loved ones' home life. Some patients require continuous care and monitoring, while others may lead relatively normal childhood despite their conditions. Ergotherapy and counseling programs are available to help adults to become productive members of their communication.