What is Glut-1 Deficiency Syndrome?

GLUT1 deficiency syndrome is a disorder that primarily affects the brain. Affected individuals generally have seizures beginning in the first few months of life. Babies with GLUT1 deficiency syndrome have a normal head size at birth, but growth of the brain and skull is often slow, in severe cases resulting in an abnormally small head size (microcephaly).

People with GLUT1 deficiency syndrome may have developmental delay or intellectual disability. They may also have other neurological problems, such as stiffness caused by abnormal tensing of the muscles (spasticity), difficulty in coordinating movements (ataxia), and speech difficulties (dysarthria). Some experience episodes of confusion, lack of energy (lethargy), headaches, muscle twitches (myoclonus), or involuntary irregular eye movements, particularly before meals.