Rare ZTTK syndrome: Singapore boy’s genetic condition explained

Medical Mysteries is a series that spotlights rare diseases or unusual conditions.

Teyden Hamilton Ho, who has Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim syndrome, with his father, Ho Jun Han, and mother, Tizane Woo.

Listen Summarise Teyden Hamilton Ho, a two-year-old boy in Singapore, was diagnosed with ultra-rare ZTTK syndrome caused by a single altered gene affecting brain development and motor skills. His family faces emotional challenges and seizures, but early intervention and physiotherapy have improved his condition and helped him manage symptoms. ZTTK syndrome is often misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms, with ongoing support from specialists and rare disease groups vital for affected families. AI generated

SINGAPORE – During Tizane Woo’s 20-week prenatal scan, her doctor noticed something was not right with her child, Teyden Hamilton Ho.

“They told us that his head was smaller than average. The circumference of his hindbrain (cerebellum) was too small,” said the 26-year-old housewife.