Exploring the Neuropsychological Profile of Sturge-Weber Syndrome for Developing Tailored Rehabilitation.

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare genetic condition present from birth that affects both the skin and the brain. Many people with SWS experience seizures and may have challenges such as language delays or traits related to autism. However, very little is known about how SWS affects other important thinking skills, such as memory, learning, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. This project will be the first to explore how SWS affects these types of cognitive skills. By doing so, we aim to create personalized treatment plans that respond to each person’s unique strengths and challenges. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, our goal is to offer targeted strategies that can make a real difference in daily life. Our research will also explore how SWS, seizures, and learning difficulties are connected, especially in individuals who do not have an overall intellectual disability. This marks an important shift toward more precise, individualized care that could help improve school performance, development, and quality of life for people with SWS and their families. We also plan to develop practical tools to help parents, teachers, and doctors better understand and support children with SWS. These tools will offer guidance on what to expect as the child grows, help educators create effective learning plans, and support families in getting the services they need. In the future, our findings may also help others with similar rare brain-skin conditions.