Hallervorden-Spatz disease

Symptoms typically begin in childhood and are progressive, often resulting in death by early adulthood. These include:

• dystonia
• rigidity/stiffness of limbs
• tremor
• writhing movements
• dementia
• spasticity
• weakness
• seizures
• vision changes and degeneration of eyesight

A neurological examination would show evidence of muscle rigidity; weakness; and abnormal postures, movements, and tremors. If other family members are also affected, this may help determine the diagnosis.

Genetic tests can confirm an abnormal gene causing the disease. However, this test is not yet widely available. Other movement disorders and diseases must be ruled out. An MRI usually shows iron deposits in the basal ganglia.

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