Microgyria is a neurological condition in which the folds of the brain fail to form properly, causing a small, shallow groove to form instead. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The pronunciation is /maɪkrəʊdʒʌɪəriə/. The prefix "micro-" means "small", while "gyria" refers to the folds or convolutions of the brain. Therefore, microgyria literally means "small folds in the brain". People with microgyria may experience developmental delays, intellectual disability, or seizures.
Microgyria is a medical term used to describe a neurological condition characterized by abnormal brain development, specifically affecting the cerebral cortex. This condition is categorized by the presence of small and abnormally formed gyri, which are the ridges on the surface of the brain. In individuals with microgyria, the folds and convolutions of the cerebral cortex are significantly reduced or absent, leading to a smoother appearance of the brain's surface.
Microgyria is primarily detected during brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans. The exact cause of microgyria remains largely unknown; however, it is believed to be a result of genetic mutations or disruptions in early brain development during the gestational period.
Individuals with microgyria often exhibit various neurological symptoms, including developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, seizures, and motor impairments. The severity and range of symptoms can vary widely, depending on the location and extent of the brain abnormalities.
Treatment for microgyria primarily focuses on managing symptoms and improving the affected individual's quality of life. This may involve a combination of therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapies, medication to control seizures, and educational support tailored to individuals' specific needs.
In conclusion, microgyria refers to a condition characterized by abnormal brain development resulting in the presence of small and irregular gyri on the cerebral cortex. This condition can significantly impact an individual's neurological function and may manifest through various cognitive, motor, and seizure-related symptoms.
Abnormal narrowness of the cerebral convolutions.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "microgyria" is composed of two parts: "micro" and "gyria".
The prefix "micro-" derives from the Greek word "mikrós", meaning "small" or "tiny". It is often used in scientific and medical terminology to convey the sense of something being very small or minute.
The second part, "gyria", is derived from the Greek word "gúria", which means "gyrus". In neuroscience, a gyrus refers to one of the convolutions or ridges on the surface of the brain.
Thus, "microgyria" is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the presence of abnormally small or undersized brain gyri.