Schizencephaly: A Rare Cause of Late-Onset Epilepsy in an Adult

Schizencephaly is a rare congenital brain malformation characterized by a cleft that extends through the entire cerebral hemisphere, from the lateral ventricle to the cerebral cortex. This condition can result from both genetic and environmental factors. Although typically identified at birth or during early childhood, adult presentations are rarely documented in the literature. Clinical manifestations vary based on the size and location of the lesion, commonly including hemiparesis, developmental delays, or seizures. Neuroimaging, especially MRI, is crucial for diagnosing schizencephaly and ruling out other potential causes. Accurate diagnosis is essential to avoid inappropriate treatment. We present the case of a 35-year-old patient with partial epileptic seizures who was asymptomatic throughout childhood, found to have unilateral open-lip schizencephaly. This case emphasizes the role of neuroimaging, particularly CT scans, in diagnosing schizencephaly and identifying any associated abnormalities.