Questions about rare diseases?

Disease Information

Summary
A rare, syndromic intellectual disability characterized by severe intellectual deficit, brachycephaly, plagiocephaly, and prominent forehead in male patients. Females may display moderate intellectual deficit without craniofacial dysmorphism. There have been no further descriptions in the literature since 1992.
Summary
A rare, syndromic intellectual disability characterized by severe intellectual deficit, brachycephaly, plagiocephaly, and prominent forehead in male patients. Females may display moderate intellectual deficit without craniofacial dysmorphism. There have been no further descriptions in the literature since 1992.A rare, syndromic intellectual disability characterized by severe intellectual deficit, brachycephaly, plagiocephaly, and prominent forehead in male patients. Females may display moderate intellectual deficit without craniofacial dysmorphism. There have been no further descriptions in the literature since 1992.
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Resource(s) for Medical Professionals and Scientists on This Disease:
This section is currently in development.

About X-linked intellectual disability-plagiocephaly syndrome

Many rare diseases have limited information. Currently, GARD aims to provide the following information for this disease:

  • Population Estimate:Fewer than 1,000 people in the U.S. have thisdisease.
  • Symptoms:May start to appear as a Newborn and as an Infant.
  • Cause:This disease is caused by a change in the genetic material (DNA).
  • Organizations:GARD is not currently aware of organizations specific to this disease.
  • Categories:BirthdefectsGeneticdiseasesNeurologicaldiseases

Causes

What Causes This Disease?

Genetic Mutations

Can This Disease Be Passed Down From Parent to Child?

X-Linked

When Do Symptoms of X-linked intellectual disability-plagiocephaly syndrome Begin?

Symptoms of this disease may start to appear as a Newborn and as an Infant.

The age symptoms may begin to appear differs between diseases. Symptoms may begin in a single age range, or during several age ranges. The symptoms of some diseases may begin at any age. Knowing when symptoms may have appeared can help medical providers find the correct diagnosis.
Prenatal
Before Birth
Newborn Selected
Birth-4 weeks
Infant Selected
1-23 months
Child
2-11 years
Adolescent
12-18 years
Adult
19-65 years
Older Adult
65+ years
Symptoms may start to appear as a Newborn and as an Infant.

Symptoms

The types of symptoms experienced, and their intensity, may vary among people with this disease. Your experience may be different from others. Consult your health care team for more information.

The following describes the symptom(s) associated with this disease along with the corresponding body system(s), description, synonyms, and frequency (Note: Not all possible symptoms may be listed):

14 Symptoms

14 Symptoms

14 Symptoms

Body Systems

Symptoms related to this disease may affect different systems of the body. Use the 'Filter and Sort' function to learn more about which body system(s) are affected by this disease and their associated symptom(s).
Medical Term
Description and Synonyms
Frequency
Brachycephaly

An abnormality of skull shape characterized by a decreased anterior-posterior diameter. That is, a cephalic index greater than 81%. Alternatively, an apparently shortened anteroposterior dimension (length) of the head compared to width.

Synonyms:Short and broad skull

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Bradycardia

A slower than normal heart rate (in adults, slower than 60 beats per minute).

Synonyms:Brachycardia; Slow heartbeats

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Coarse facial features

Absence of fine and sharp appearance of brows, nose, lips, mouth, and chin, usually because of rounded and heavy features or thickened skin with or without thickening of subcutaneous and bony tissues.

Synonyms:Coarse face; Coarse facial appearance; Coarse facial features; Coarse facies

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Decreased fetal movement

An abnormal reduction in quantity or strength of fetal movements.

Synonyms:Decreased fetal activity; Decreased fetal movements; Decreased movement in utero; Fetal hypokinesia; Less than 10 fetal movements in 12 hours; Reduced fetal movement; Reduced fetal movements

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Delayed speech and language development

A degree of language development that is significantly below the norm for a child of a specified age.

Synonyms:Deficiency of speech development; Delayed language development; Delayed speech; Delayed speech acquisition; Delayed speech and language development; Delayed speech development; Impaired speech and language development; Impaired speech development; Language delay; Language delayed; Language development deficit; Late-onset speech development; Poor language development; Speech and language delay; Speech and language difficulties; Speech delay

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Developmental stagnation

A cessation of the development of a child in the areas of motor skills, speech and language, cognitive skills, and social and/or emotional skills.

Synonyms:Developmental arrest

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Diffuse cerebral atrophy

Diffuse unlocalised atrophy affecting the cerebrum.

Synonyms:Cerebral atrophy, diffuse

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Flat occiput

Reduced convexity of the occiput (posterior part of skull).

Synonyms:Flat posterior cranium; Posterior flattening of the skull

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Intellectual disability, moderate

Moderate mental retardation is defined as an intelligence quotient (IQ) in the range of 35-49.

Synonyms:IQ between 34 and 49; Mental retardation, moderate; Moderate mental deficiency; Moderate mental retardation

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Intellectual disability, severe

Severe mental retardation is defined as an intelligence quotient (IQ) in the range of 20-34.

Synonyms:Early and severe mental retardation; Intellectual disability, severe; Mental retardation, severe; Severe mental retardation

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Microcephaly

Head circumference below 2 standard deviations below the mean for age and gender.

Synonyms:Abnormally small cranium; Abnormally small skull; Decreased circumference of cranium; Decreased size of cranium; Decreased size of skull; Reduced head circumference; small calvarium; small cranium; Small head circumference

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Morning myoclonic jerks
This section is currently in development.
Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Plagiocephaly

Asymmetric head shape, which is usually a combination of unilateral occipital flattening with ipsilateral frontal prominence, leading to rhomboid cranial shape.

Synonyms:Flat head syndrome; Flattening of cranial vault; Flattening of cranium; Flattening of skull; Rhomboid shaped cranium; Rhomboid shaped skull

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always
Prominent forehead

Forward prominence of the entire forehead, due to protrusion of the frontal bone.

Synonyms:Prominence of frontal region; Prominent forehead; Pronounced forehead; Protruding forehead

Frequency
Uncommon
Frequent
Frequent
Always

Diagnostic Journey

On average, it takes more than six years to receive an accurate rare disease diagnosis. Many primary care providers (PCPs) may not be familiar with rare diseases, and you may need to see multiple specialists to reach the correct diagnosis. However, advocating for yourself with your healthcare team may help speed your time to diagnosis. To combat common challenges, be prepared:

  • Find disease-specific information to discuss with your healthcare providers.
  • Ask for diagnostic tests.
  • Request referrals to specialists.

Knowing where to start your diagnostic journey and how to navigate the next steps are critical to speeding your time to diagnosis

Your Diagnostic Team

How can a diagnostic team help?

Establishing care with a dedicated primary care provider (PCP) is an important early step in your rare disease journey. A PCP can help improve care and shorten the time to diagnosis by providing referrals to the appropriate specialists. These specialists, with advanced training in different body systems or types of diseases, can offer the specialized diagnostic procedures you need.

Use this tool by Medicare to find a PCP in your area by inputting your location and keyword "Primary Care Provider."

A PCP that specializes in the care of children is called a pediatrician. Use this tool by the American Academy of Pediatrics to find a pediatrician in your area by inputting your location.
Diagnostic teams for X-linked intellectual disability-plagiocephaly syndrome may include:
 

Multidisciplinary Care Centers

Is it time to find a multidisciplinary care center?

If you've visited your PCP, met with specialists, and undergone the recommended tests, but still do not have a confirmed diagnosis, it may be time to visit a multidisciplinary care center. Multidisciplinary care centers are usually teaching, university, or research hospitals that have teams of medical experts and specialists working together in the same location. This means a wide range of diagnostic tests and clinical knowledge are available at one facility, which can help increase communication and collaboration among your care team. The additional resources often available at multidisciplinary centers may help speed the time to diagnosis for rare diseases.



Multidisciplinary Care Centers

Is it time to find a multidisciplinary care center?

If you've visited your PCP, met with specialists, and undergone the recommended tests, but still do not have a confirmed diagnosis, it may be time to visit a multidisciplinary care center. Multidisciplinary care centers are usually teaching, university, or research hospitals that have teams of medical experts and specialists working together in the same location. This means a wide range of diagnostic tests and clinical knowledge are available at one facility, which can help increase communication and collaboration among your care team. The additional resources often available at multidisciplinary centers may help speed the time to diagnosis for rare diseases.




Rare Disease Experts

How can you find a rare disease expert?

If a diagnosis remains unknown despite extensive efforts by your PCP and specialists, it can be challenging to know what kind of expert you may need or where to find one. A rare disease expert is a care provider that has knowledge or training on specific disease(s), but there may only be a few experts in your state, region, or country. Rare disease experts may work at large research or teaching hospitals. In complex cases, coordinating with a network of experts can help your care provider find the right diagnosis. 
Contact a GARD Information Specialist for help finding an expert.

Rare Disease Experts

How can you find a rare disease expert?

If a diagnosis remains unknown despite extensive efforts by your PCP and specialists, it can be challenging to know what kind of expert you may need or where to find one. A rare disease expert is a care provider that has knowledge or training on specific disease(s), but there may only be a few experts in your state, region, or country. Rare disease experts may work at large research or teaching hospitals. In complex cases, coordinating with a network of experts can help your care provider find the right diagnosis. 
Contact a GARD Information Specialist for help finding an expert.

 

Find Your Community

How Can Patient Organizations Help?

Patient organizations can help patients and families connect. They build public awareness of the disease and are a driving force behind research to improve patients' lives. They may offer online and in-person resources to help people live well with their disease. Many collaborate with medical experts and researchers.

Services of patient organizations differ, but may include:

  • Ways to connect to others and share personal stories
  • Easy-to-read information
  • Up-to-date treatment and research information
  • Patient registries
  • Lists of specialists or specialty centers
  • Financial aid and travel resources

Please note: GARD provides organizations for informational purposes only and not as an endorsement of their services. Please contact an organization directly if you have questions about the information or resources it provides.

View GARD's criteria for including patient organizations, which can be found under the FAQs on our About page. Request an update or to have your organization added to GARD.

Patient Organizations

4 Organizations

Organization Name

Who They Serve

Helpful Links

Country

People With

Rare Diseases

Helpful Links
Country

United States

People With

Rare Diseases

Helpful Links
Country

United States

People With

Rare Diseases

Helpful Links
Country

United States

People With

Rare Diseases

Helpful Links
Country

United States

Participate in Research

Clinical studies are part of clinical research and play an important role in medical advances, including for rare diseases. Through clinical studies, researchers may ultimately uncover better ways to treat, prevent, diagnose, and understand human diseases.

What Are Clinical Studies?

  1. Clinical trials determine if a new test or treatment for a disease is effective and safe by comparing groups receiving different tests/treatments.
  2. Observational studies involve recording changes over time among a specific group of people in their natural settings.
Learn more about clinical trials from this U.S. Food & Drug Administration webpage.

Why Participate in Clinical Studies?

What if There Are No Available Clinical Studies?

Join the All of Us Research Program!

What Are Clinical Studies?

Clinical studies are medical research involving people as participants. There are two main types of clinical studies:
  1. Clinical trials determine if a new test or treatment for a disease is effective and safe by comparing groups receiving different tests/treatments.
  2. Observational studies involve recording changes over time among a specific group of people in their natural settings.
Learn more about clinical trials from this U.S. Food & Drug Administration webpage.
Clinical studies are medical research involving people as participants. There are two main types of clinical studies:
  1. Clinical trials determine if a new test or treatment for a disease is effective and safe by comparing groups receiving different tests/treatments.
  2. Observational studies involve recording changes over time among a specific group of people in their natural settings.
Learn more about clinical trials from this U.S. Food & Drug Administration webpage.
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Why Participate in Clinical Studies?

People participate in clinical trials for many reasons. People with a disease may participate to receive the newest possible treatment and additional care from clinical study staff as well as to help others living with the same or similar disease. Healthy volunteers may participate to help others and to contribute to moving science forward.

To find the right clinical study we recommend you consult your doctors, other trusted medical professionals, and patient organizations. Additionally, you can use ClinicalTrials.gov to search for clinical studies by disease, terms, or location.
People participate in clinical trials for many reasons. People with a disease may participate to receive the newest possible treatment and additional care from clinical study staff as well as to help others living with the same or similar disease. Healthy volunteers may participate to help others and to contribute to moving science forward.

To find the right clinical study we recommend you consult your doctors, other trusted medical professionals, and patient organizations. Additionally, you can use ClinicalTrials.gov to search for clinical studies by disease, terms, or location.
Read More

What if There Are No Available Clinical Studies?

Join the All of Us Research Program!

ClinicalTrials.gov, an affiliate of NIH, provides current information on clinical research studies in the United States and abroad. Talk to a trusted doctor before choosing to participate in any clinical study. We recommend checking this site often and searching for studies with related terms/synonyms to improve results.
Contact a GARD Information Specialist if you need help finding more information on this rare disease or available clinical studies. Please note that GARD cannot enroll individuals in clinical studies.
Available toll-free Monday through Friday from 12 pm to 6 pm Eastern Time
(Except: Federal Holidays)
Use the contact form to send your questions to a GARD Information Specialist.

Please allow 2 to 10 business days for us to respond.
ClinicalTrials.gov, an affiliate of NIH, provides current information on clinical research studies in the United States and abroad. Talk to a trusted doctor before choosing to participate in any clinical study. We recommend checking this site often and searching for studies with related terms/synonyms to improve results.
Contact a GARD Information Specialist if you need help finding more information on this rare disease or available clinical studies. Please note that GARD cannot enroll individuals in clinical studies.
Available toll-free Monday through Friday from 12 pm to 6 pm Eastern Time
(Except: Federal Holidays)
Use the contact form to send your questions to a GARD Information Specialist.

Please allow 2 to 10 business days for us to respond.

Last Updated: December 2024