What is "lissencephaly"

n. A disorder characterized by smoothness (lack of folds and grooves) of the brain.

Lissencephaly, which literally means smooth brain, is a rare brain formation disorder caused by defective neuronal migration during the 12th to 24th weeks of gestation resulting in a lack of development of brain folds ( gyri) and grooves ( sulci). It is a form of cephalic disorder. Terms such as 'agyria' (no gyri) or ' pachygyria' (broad gyri) are used to describe the appearance of the surface of the brain. Children with lissencephaly generally have significant developmental delays, but these vary greatly from child to child depending on the degree of brain malformation and seizure control. Life expectancy can be shortened, generally due to respiratory problems.