Foxg1 Syndrome

FOXG1 syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by impaired development and structural brain abnormalities. Features vary from case to case, and may include an unusually small head size (microcephaly), a specific pattern of brain development (including partial or complete agenesis of the corpus callosum, reduced folds on the surface of the brain, and reduced white matter), intellectual disability, abnormal or involuntary movements, feeding problems, sleep disturbances, seizures, irritability and excessive crying, and limited communication and social skills. Both males and females may be affected. The condition is caused by changes involving the FOXG1 gene. In some cases, there are mutations within the gene; in others, there is a deletion of genetic material from the region of the long (q) arm of chromosome 14 where the gene is located. FOXG1 syndrome is considered an autosomal dominant condition because one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. While it is possible for parents to be carriers, most cases result from new mutations.