Kabuki syndrome

Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome, Kabuki make-up syndrome

What is Kabuki syndrome?

Kabuki syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects development and can cause distinctive facial features, learning difficulties, and medical issues.

What causes Kabuki syndrome?

Kabuki syndrome is usually caused by a mutation in the KMT2D gene, and in some cases, the KDM6A gene. These genes play a role in development and growth. The condition typically does not run in families, though in rare cases, it can be inherited.

What are the symptoms of Kabuki syndrome?

The symptoms of Kabuki syndrome vary from person to person, but common features include:

Facial characteristics:

  • Long, arched eyebrows
  • Large, wide-set eyes
  • A broad nose and depressed nasal tip
  • Prominent, cupped ears

Developmental and medical challenges:

  • Delayed speech and motor skills
  • Mild to moderate learning disabilities
  • Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Feeding difficulties in infancy
  • Joint flexibility issue
  • Heart, kidney, or immune system problems

If you are concerned that your child may have Kabuki syndrome, it is important to speak to a doctor for a diagnosis.

Are you affected by Kabuki syndrome?

If you’re affected by Kabuki syndrome, The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined, they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with Kabuki Syndrome, emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with Down’s syndrome from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

Woman smiling, making eye contact and holding the hand of another woman to comfort her

Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone affected by Kabuki syndrome

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer or relative of someone with Kabuki syndrome? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental well-being too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including Kabuki syndrome, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance.
Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Other resources

Groups

Kabuki Syndrome Parents

Kabuki Syndrome Kids

Kabuki Syndrome UK

Other charities

Kabuki UK