What is Septo Optic Dysplasia

Septo optic dysplasia is a disorder that can affect a child’s vision, growth, and learning. This is a condition that a child is born with (congenital). This condition can cause three problems in brain development:

• A poorly developed optic nerve. This can lead to vision problems and eye movements that cannot be controlled (nystagmus).
• A poorly developed pituitary gland. This can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and problems in growth, sexual maturity, and reproduction.
• No separating structures between the right and left sides of the brain (corpus callosum and septum pellucidum). This can lead to nervous system problems, such as learning delays.

What are the causes?

The cause of this condition is not known.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

• Children who are exposed to certain medicines in the womb.
• Children who are exposed to certain problems in the womb, including:
  • A viral infection.
  • A condition that disrupts blood flow to parts of the brain.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Decreased vision in one or both eyes.
• Loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Nystagmus.
• Drifting eyes.
• Floppy muscles.
• Learning delays or disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder.
• Short height.
• Incomplete sexual development.
• Seizures.

Symptoms may not show up until later in childhood.

How is this diagnosed?

In many cases, this condition is diagnosed after an eye care specialist (ophthalmologist) examines the inside of the eye with a scope. Tests to diagnose this condition include:

• Blood tests to look for abnormal hormone levels.
• An MRI and CT scan to look for brain changes.

Your child’s health care provider will also review your child’s symptoms and medical history and will perform a physical exam.

How is this treated?

There is no cure for this condition, but treatment can help relieve symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Hormone replacement therapy.
• Vision therapy.
• Physical therapy.
• Learning disability therapy.

Treatment depends on the problems or symptoms your child develops. A team of specialists will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your child.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Do not give your child aspirin because it has been associated with Reye’s syndrome.
• Find the right support for your child, both at home and in school.
• Use visual and physical aids as told by your child’s health care provider and therapists.
• Ask your child’s health care providers what activities are safe for your child.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important. Follow-up visits include visits for all therapies that your child is receiving.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your child develops new symptoms.
• Your child’s symptoms get worse.

Get help right away if:

• Your child has a seizure.

Summary

• Septo-optic dysplasia is a disorder that can affect a child’s vision, growth, and learning. This is a condition that a child is born with (congenital).
• This condition can cause a poorly developed optic nerve. Sometimes it is associated with an underdeveloped pituitary gland. In some cases, there is a lack of separation between the right and left sides of the brain.
• The cause of this condition is not known.
• Follow the health care provider’s instructions on medicines, school and home support, visual and physical aids, and follow-up visits.