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Cognitive and behavioral functioning in Coffin-Siris syndrome and epilepsy: a case presentation
H Allison Bender1, Charles M Zaroff, Stella Karantzoulis
1Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, USA. HeidiBender@aol.com
Insights
This study details the cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral challenges in a child with Coffin-Siris syndrome and epilepsy. Findings reveal significant neurodevelopmental deficits, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Coffin-Siris syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic disorder with limited understanding of its early neurobehavioral presentation.
- Clinical features include digital hypoplasia, characteristic facial features, and frequently, callosal agenesis on MRI.
- Epilepsy is a common comorbidity, further complicating the neurodevelopmental profile.
Observation:
- A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation was conducted on a 7.5-year-old child with CS and epilepsy.
- Parental ratings assessed adaptive functioning and behavioral patterns.
- Specific assessments included the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and the Behavior Assessment for Children (BASC-2).
Findings:
- The child exhibited limited attentional abilities.
- Receptive language skills (AE: 3-3) were stronger than expressive language skills (AE: 1-4).
- Adaptive functioning was significantly impaired across all domains (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Composite AE: 1-9).
- Behavioral observations included social deficits, stereotyped behaviors, restricted interests, and ritualistic play, without significant mood disturbances.
Implications:
- The study highlights a diffuse pattern of neurobehavioral deficits in children with Coffin-Siris syndrome and epilepsy.
- Multidimensional assessment techniques, including adaptive behavior evaluation, are crucial for capturing the full spectrum of developmental sequelae.
- Further research is warranted to better understand and manage the complex needs of individuals with CS.
Abstract:
The authors characterized the cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral sequelae of Coffin-Siris (CS) syndrome and epilepsy in a 7.5-year-old child. Little is known about the early neurobehavioral presentation of CS. Clinical features consistent with this genetic anomaly include underdeveloped tips and nails of the fifth fingers, extended infranasal depression, and craniofacial abnormalities. MRI findings often reveal callosal agenesis. The authors conducted a neuropsychological evaluation and obtained parental ratings of behavioral and adaptive functioning. Attentional abilities were limited. As assessed by the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, receptive language abilities (age equivalent [AE]: 3-3) were relatively stronger than expressive skills (AE: 1-4). Adaptive functioning was low across all domains (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Composite AE: 1-9). On the Behavior Assessment for Children (BASC-2), social skills dysfunction, stereotyped and self-stimulatory behaviors, restricted interests, ritualistic play, and inappropriate object usage were noted. No significant mood disturbances were endorsed. Study findings indicate a diffuse pattern of neurobehavioral deficits in a child with CS and epilepsy. Further clinical assessment and research should include multidimensional assessment techniques, including evaluation of adaptive behavior, in an effort to capture the full range developmental sequelae in children with CS.
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