Is Septo-Optic Dysplasia a disability?
While some children with SOD have normal intelligence, others have learning disabilities. Most, however, are developmentally delayed due to vision impairment or neurological problems. Treatment for SOD is symptomatic. Hormone deficiencies may be treated with hormone replacement therapy.
Can you see with Septo-Optic Dysplasia?
These nerves carry visual information from the eyes to the brain. In children with septo-optic dysplasia, the optic nerves are abnormally small, resulting in vision problems in one or both eyes. This can include limited vision or uncontrolled eye movements.
How rare is Septo-optic dysplasia?
Septo-optic dysplasia has a reported incidence of 1 in 10,000 newborns.
Can septo-optic dysplasia be cured?
Although there is no cure for this condition, the treatment is directed toward the specific symptoms in each individual. Children with possible SOD must be kept under careful hormonal follow-up, and, if present, hormone deficiencies should be treated with hormone replacement therapy.
What is it like to have optic nerve hypoplasia?
Most infants with ONH have involuntary, rapid eye movements (nystagmus) and/or mild to severe visual impairment of one or both eyes. Vision often improves modestly in early childhood even though there is no growth of the optic nerves after birth.
Can optic nerve hypoplasia get worse?
Does optic nerve hypoplasia get worse over time? In general, ONH is a stable and nonprogressive condition which does not deteriorate. Vision may improve slightly and nystagmus may decrease over time.
Is Septo Optic Dysplasia the same as optic nerve hypoplasia?
Optic nerve hypoplasia is the unifying feature of a spectrum condition, commonly known as septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) or DeMorsier syndrome, which includes hypopituitarism and absence of the septum pellucidum on MRI scan.
Can you go blind with optic nerve hypoplasia?
What vision impairments are caused by ONH? Vision impairment in children with ONH ranges from completely blind with no light perception, to very good vision and it may occur in one or both eyes. Most children with ONH experience some improvement in their vision during their early childhood years.
What are the symptoms of septo optic dysplasia?
Severe cases cause panhypopituitarism, a condition in which the pituitary produces no hormones. Panhypopituitarism is associated with slow growth, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), genital abnormalities, and problems with sexual development. The signs and symptoms of septo-optic dysplasia can vary significantly.
What kind of Doctor treats septo optic dysplasia?
Treatment. Treatment is directed toward the specific symptoms in each individual and may require a team of specialists including pediatricians, ophthalmologists, neurologists, and endocrinologists. If present, hormone deficiencies may be treated with hormone replacement therapy.
Which is an environmental risk factor for septo-optic dysplasia?
Proposed environmental risk factors include viral infections, specific medications, and a disruption in blood flow to certain areas of the brain during critical periods of development. At least three genes have been associated with septo-optic dysplasia, although mutations in these genes appear to be rare causes of this disorder.