There is nothing that can be done to prevent Lissencephaly, since for the most part it is a inherited disorder. Treatment can be done however to alleviate the symptoms. Children with Lissencephaly can take medicine to control the seizures, have a shunt put in to relief hydrocephalus, a g-tube put in to eat, and general nursing techniques for comfort.
There are, however, new research being done in the field of lissencephaly. Because Lissencephaly is caused by mutations in the genes, new research has been conducted on trying to map and identify all of the genes involved with Lissencephaly. The goals of this new research is to (1) delineate the different types of malformations of cortical development and the syndromes associated with each, (2) map and clone the genes responsible for these malformations, (3) identify mutations of these genes, and (4) eventually study gene function and interactions. There has now been a total of 5 genes mapped that directly influence lissencepaly. (1).
There are many good charities and organizations that are dedicated to getting the information out about Lissencephaly. Some include:
NINDS Lissencephaly Information Page
Lissencephaly: Information for Parents
The Lissencephaly Network, Inc.
The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
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