**Axonate aplasia** is a rare abnormality where neurons with processes do not develop within the brain or other tissues. Scientists believe that this disorder may be the result of errors in the development of the nervous system during the prenatal period.
People with diffuse extracortical axonal aplasia **(diffuse axonal aplasia)** have normal nervous system in an area of the brain called the cortex, but cells in other parts of the nervous system are missing. Symptoms may include vision problems, headache, seizures, weakness, memory loss and difficulty standing and walking. Treatment can be difficult and is partly aimed at reducing symptoms.
How does the nervous system work? Your brain uses electrical impulses to send commands to muscles and other parts of the body. Axons, extensions of the nervous system, normally allow electricity to travel to the muscles to transmit commands. When the axon is normal, it turns on signals along its entire length so that commands can reach the muscles and cause movement.
If the axons are not developed, electrical signals travel along extra tissue within part of the nervous system. This can cause problems in the functioning of the brain and other parts of the body, such as the eyes, muscles, smell nerves, touch and vision. If a muscle is not commanded to perform an action, it will not function correctly. This problem can also make it difficult to move, causing headaches or loss of balance and strength in the legs.
It is important that some people with extracortical axonal aplasia may require a significant amount of time and effort to function normally, including adapted walking techniques and mental activities such as a vision-motor coordination computer program. Therefore, these people can find support within small communities and organizations.