National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Bilateral generalized polymicrogyria


Other Names:
Bilateral generalised polymicrogyria
Categories:
This disease is grouped under:
Bilateral generalized polymicrogyria is a rare neurological disorder that affects the cerebral cortex (the outer surface of the brain).[1][2][3] This is the most widespread form of polymicrogyria and typically affects the entire surface of the brain.[1] Signs and symptoms include severe intellectual disability, problems with movement, and seizures that are difficult or impossible to treat.[1][2] While the exact cause of bilateral generalized polymicrogyria is not fully understood, it is thought to be due to improper brain development during embryonic growth.[2] Most cases appear to follow an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 6/15/2015
Although polymicrogyria as a broad category of disorders is collectively believed to be fairly common, each individual type (such as bilateral generalized polymicrogyria) is probably rare.[1][2] Unfortunately for the rare diseases, there's often not a calculated incidence or prevalence; there is no official method for tracking these conditions. To our knowledge, the incidence and prevalence of bilateral generalized polymicrogyria remains unknown.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 6/15/2015

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Bilateral generalized polymicrogyria. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Bilateral generalized polymicrogyria. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.

In-Depth Information

  • GeneReviews provides current, expert-authored, peer-reviewed, full-text articles describing the application of genetic testing to the diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling of patients with specific inherited conditions.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.

Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • My son has bilateral generalized polymicrogyria and I was wanting to know how many people a year are diagnosed with this condition? See answer


  1. Polymicrogyria. Genetics Home Reference. June 2009; http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/polymicrogyria. Accessed 6/15/2015.
  2. Chang B, Walsh CA, Apse K, Bodell A. Polymicrogyria Overview. GeneReviews. August 6, 2007; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1329/. Accessed 6/15/2015.
  3. Polymicrogyria. Cortical Foundation. http://cortfoundation.org/cms/get-informed/types-of-malformations/polymicrogyria/. Accessed 6/15/2015.