What Is Nerve Dysplasia?

Septo-optic nerve dysplasia (SOD), sometimes referred to simply as nerve dysplasia, is an eye condition that may lead to blindness in one or both eyes, according to the National Institute of Nerve Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Characteristics

• Septo-optic dysplasia, formerly called De Morsier syndrome, is characterized by abnormal development of the optic disk and pituitary deficiencies.

Cause

• According to the California School for the Blind (CSB), the cause of nerve dysplasia is unknown. However, in those with the disorder, optic nerve complications prevent vision messages from reaching the brain (optic nerve hypoplasia) and the septum pellucidum region of the brain does not form properly.

Symptoms

• Blindness in one or both eyes is a common symptom of nerve dysplasia. Other symptoms include pupil dilation as reaction to light, involuntary eye movements, low muscle tone and hormonal problems.

Complications

• In rare cases, nerve dysplasia causes seizures and jaundice at birth. Pituitary complications in nerve dysplasia may cause afflicted persons to be shorter and heavier than average.

Misconceptions

• Although some individuals born with SOD have learning disabilities or mental retardation, some have normal intelligence, according to NINDS. Many children with SOD do suffer some developmental delay due to neurological impairment or blindness.

Treatment

• There is no cure for nerve dysplasia but some symptoms are treatable. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy is used. Vision, physical and occupational therapies may also be implemented, depending on the presence and severity of symptoms.