A review of congenital neurologic malformations

Congenital neurologic malformations present a difficult challenge to the clinician in regard to diagnosis, management, and prevention. The authors review normal ontogenesis and divide this complex process into three developmental phases: (1) induction, (2) cellular proliferation and migration, and (3) maturation of cellular organization, synaptic development, and myelin formation. A classification of malformations based on the timing of occurrence during the first and second stages of central nervous system development is presented. These disorders are described with particular attention to the clinical and diagnostic features. Various prenatal diagnostic screening tests are also reviewed in an attempt to identify the population at risk for congenital neurologic malformations.