Hallervorden-Spatz disease

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Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration

• Dementia
• Involuntary muscle contractions (dystonia)
• Movement problems
• Muscle rigidity
• Seizures
• Spasticity
• Tremor
• Vision changes
• Weakness
• Writhing movements

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the patient's medical history. It is important to get a complete medical and family history, since the condition can run in families.

A neurological examination will show:

• Abnormal postures and movements
• Muscle rigidity
• Tremors
• Weakness

Genetic tests can look for the defective gene that causes the disease. However, this test is not yet widely available. It is only found at certain research laboratories.

Tests such as MRI can help rule out other movement disorders and diseases.

Review Date: 09/28/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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