Congenital Ocular Motor Apraxia: Saccade Initiation Failure; Cogan's Apraxia

This disorder is characterised by an inability to make horizontal fast eye movements from birth. Infants may at first appear blind but later develop characteristic head movements to shift gaze (head thrusts). Infants may be hypotonic with mild motor delay. Ataxia may persist. Speech development may be slow requiring speech therapy, and reading problems may occur. Typically the abnormal head movements subside as the child learns to make blinks to help move the eyes which can make detection of the condition difficult in the older child. Eye movement recordings confirm the condition.

The congenital condition may occur in isolation (idiopathic), but can be associated with a wide range of brain malformations, metabolic disorders, and perinatal problems. It is also associated with various clinical syndromes. The condition may also be acquired at school-age secondary to progressive neurological and metabolic diseases.

The congenital condition is not progressive. There is no treatment and educational support may be needed.

Inheritance patterns
May be familial in rare cases but is usually sporadic.

Prenatal diagnosis
None

Medical text written March 1997 by Dr C Harris. Last updated December 2007 by Professor C Harris, Professor of Neurosciences, Institute of Neurosciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK

COA SUPPORT GROUP

c/o Contact a Family
209-211 City Road
London
EC1V 1JN
Tel: 0808 808 3555 Freephone Helpline
Tel: 0808 808 3556 Text
Tel: 020 7608 8700 Admin
Fax: 020 7608 8701
e-mail: helpline@cafamily.org.uk

This is a self help group, established in 1996. It offers support by e-mail but offers telephone support for parents without internet access. The group attempts to link families where possible. It publishes a newsletter and has information available, details on request.

Group details last updated June 2007.