Corpus Callosum Abnormalities in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment

How Do Doctors Diagnose Corpus Callosum Abnormalities?

Doctors can diagnose corpus callosum abnormalities through imaging tests, such as:

• Regular obstetric ultrasound
• Fetal MRI (imaging of your baby’s brain and body)

Doctors may also do genetic testing if they think a corpus callosum abnormality is caused by a genetic condition.

What Are Some Common Problems My Baby Might Have From Corpus Callosum Abnormalities?

As your baby grows up, they might have some of the following problems:

Neurological (brain and nerve) problems

• Seizures or Epilepsy
• Trouble with tasks that require two hands
• Trouble with balance or depth perception (judging depth and distance correctly)

Behavioral and learning problems

• Challenges with self-control, making decisions, or problem solving
• Speech delays or language challenges
• Learning or intellectual disabilities
• Behavioral or mental health challenges

What is the Outcome for My Baby?

Your baby’s outcome depends on whether the corpus callosum abnormalities are isolated or not isolated.

• If the corpus callosum abnormality is isolated, the rest of the brain and body will typically develop as usual.
• If the corpus callosum abnormality is not isolated, the outcome depends on the other brain or organ problems your baby has.

In either case your care team will talk with you about your baby’s treatment and future outcome. They will be with you every step of the way.

Can the Corpus Callosum Develop More During Pregnancy or After Birth?

If the corpus callosum is not fully formed by 20 weeks of pregnancy it will not develop any further. This is a permanent condition.

How Do Doctors Treat Corpus Callosum Abnormalities?

Treatment depends on your baby’s symptoms and whether other parts of his brain or organs are affected.

As your baby gets older, treatments might include:

• Early Intervention (EI) services to monitor for and treat developmental delays
• Physical therapy to treat movement difficulties
• Occupational therapy to help build everyday skills
• Speech therapy to help with speech and language development
• Special education in your child’s school

Who is on My Baby's Care Team?

There are many people on your baby’s care team. You and your family are the most important members of the care team. Your medical team will likely include:

• Primary care pediatrician
• Pediatric neurologist (doctor who specializes in the nervous system and brain)
• Early Intervention specialist
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Speech and language therapist
• Geneticists (doctors who specialize in genetic conditions)

Rev. 7/2019. Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout. This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.