what does it mean when the doctor says your son's MRI shows smoother than normal surface on the brain ?

Question

It's normally wrinkled in most people. He is autistic and Developmentally disabled. He is twenty three now, the MRI was done about three years ago, when he started having seizures.

Answer 1

Lissencephaly is an abnormally smooth brain surface resulting from a neuronal migration disorder. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality, and can be associated with seizures and developmental disability. This condition is more common is children, but forms of it can be seen in adults. Best to consult the doctor for a complete explanation of what is going on.

Here are some sites with info that may be helpful:
http://www.ghg.net/lissnet/about/lissen.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/foliot/liss/
http://www.healthnewsflash.com/conditions/cephalic_disorders.php

Answer 2

I think the doctor is trying to describe to you that your son's brain does not have the usual pattern of "sulci and gyri" - the wrinkles you mention.

This can be related to the autism and developmental delay. I'm not sure it explains seizures.

Have a look at the wiki pages (don't worry too much about the gobbledygook that's there - look at some of the pictures)

Then have a look at the pictures of the brain MRI's on the google image search.

You can see the wrinkled appearance of the brain surface.

If you have your son's MRI to compare with, you might be able to see a difference. Or it might be a little subtle.

Answer 3

When a doctor tells you something (regardless of how simple it may sound) and can not give you a detailed explaination of what it really means in terms of health, symptoms, or recovery.. they are typically either unsure of how to read the results or are trying to be evasive. Unintentionally or not.
It could mean a million different things. And I am almost certain nobody here can give you the answer that will be right for your situation.
I would encourage you to either ask the doctor for an explaination or find a doctor that can satisy your desire to be more involved with the illness from a clinical standpoint.
There is a lot of information for Autism out there.. and you will be able to figure things out based on what you can see in your situation that we can't. Educate yourself as much as you can about this. Knowledge will certainly lessen the amount of frustration.
Good Luck :)
Here are a couple links to get you started..

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/autismmenu.cfm
http://www.medicinenet.com/autism/index.htm
http://www.mental-health-matters.com/articles/print.php?artID=617

Answer 4

Things are harder for him to learn. But he can learn ,,,I don't have to tell you that.