Megalencephaly affects males more often than females. Unilateral megalencephaly or hemimegalencephaly is a rare condition and is characterized by the enlargement of one-half of the brain. Children with this disorder may have a large, sometimes asymmetrical head. Often they suffer from intractable seizures and mental retardation. There is no definitive treatment for megalencephaly.
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
The prognosis for individuals with megalencephaly largely depends on the underlying cause and the associated neurological disorders. The prognosis for those with hemimegalencephaly is poor. Information provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health Browse for Related Articles Neurological Disorders Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.