Treatment of schizencephaly: A brief review and case study

Abstract

Introduction: Schizencephaly is a rare disease. It is a poorly understood pathology. The clinical signs are variable and the diagnosis is made by elimination. The treatment is varied with poor results. Corticosteroids are not commonly used medications. Case Presentation: The observation concerns a 5-month-old child, born with a motor deficit in the right hemibody. His parents had an unremarkable medical history. After brain imaging for epileptic seizures, the child is referred for neurosurgery 5 months later. The diagnosis of schizencephaly was mentioned. Antiepileptic treatment associated with corticosteroid therapy for two weeks was started. Motor physiotherapy began at the same time. At 6 months after start of treatment, the evolution was satisfactory marked by a clear improvement in the motor deficit and a complete cessation of seizures. Conclusions: Due to its rarity, the diagnosis of schizencephaly is made by elimination. Brain MRI is the best radiological examination. Corticosteroid therapy combined with physiotherapy can have an impact on good progress. Treatment should be early.