Sotos Syndrome, also known as cerebral gigantism because of the distinctive head shape and size, is a genetic condition causing physical overgrowth during the first years of life. Ironically, this rapid physical development is often accompanied by delayed motor, cognitive and social development. Muscle tone is low, and speech is markedly impaired. This is a genetic condition undetectable at birth. Its diagnosis frequently takes months or years.
Children with Sotos Syndrome are often taller, heavier, and have larger heads than their peers. A child who looks older and acts younger than his/her peer group is at risk for poor self-esteem, strained peer and family relationships, and problems in school. Fortunately, in late childhood the gap begins to close. Muscle tone improves steadily and with it comes better speech. For many individuals, Sotos Syndrome simply alters developmental timing; despite early trends, the adult with Sotos Syndrome is likely to be within the normal range of height and intellect.
These syndromes or disorders should be considered because of shared physical features: Beckwith-Wiedermann Syndrome Weaver Syndrome Nevo Syndrome Bannayan, Ruvalcaba, Riley-Smith Syndrome Marshall-Smith Syndrome IODM (Infant of a Diabetic Mother) Cerebral Palsy Fragile X Syndrome (Use search feature for other references) Neurofibromatosis Marfan Syndrome Ehlers Danlos Syndromes (Use search feature for other references) Pituitary Gigantism Pineal Tumor Simpson-Rosen-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome Storage Disorders.