title: Midbrain and hindbrain malformations: advances in clinical diagnosis, imaging, and genetics.
abstract: Historically, the midbrain and hindbrain have been considered of secondary importance to the cerebrum, which has typically been acknowledged as the most important part of the brain. In the past, radiologists and pathologists did not regularly examine these structures-also known as the brainstem and cerebellum-because they are small and difficult to remove without damage. With recent developments in neuroimaging, neuropathology, and neurogenetics, many developmental disorders of the midbrain and hindbrain have emerged as causes of neurodevelopmental dysfunction. These research advances may change the way in which we treat these patients in the future and will enhance the clinical acumen of the practising neurologist and thereby improve the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA. ddoher@uw.edu
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Doherty
authors.forename: Kathleen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Millen
authors.forename: A James
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Barkovich
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology*; D012249:Rhombencephalon / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology*