Neuroferritinopathy
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| Neuroferritinopathy | |
|---|---|
| File:Gray745.png | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Movement disorder, dystonia, chorea, cognitive decline |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Typically in adulthood |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic mutation in the ferritin light chain gene (FTL) |
| Risks | Family history |
| Diagnosis | Genetic testing, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Symptomatic treatment, physical therapy, occupational therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Progressive, with increasing disability |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Neuroferritinopathy is a rare, inherited, neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of iron in the brain. It is a type of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) and is caused by mutations in the Ferritin Light Chain (FTL) gene.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of neuroferritinopathy typically begin in adulthood and progress slowly over time. They include dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions), chorea (involuntary, rapid, jerky movements), and parkinsonism (symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease such as tremors, slow movement, and stiffness). Cognitive decline and psychiatric symptoms may also occur.
Genetics[edit]
Neuroferritinopathy is caused by mutations in the FTL gene, which provides instructions for making a protein called ferritin light chain. This protein is a subunit of the ferritin protein, which stores iron in cells and releases it in a controlled manner. Mutations in the FTL gene disrupt the normal function of ferritin, leading to an accumulation of iron in the brain.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of neuroferritinopathy is based on clinical examination, family history, and genetic testing. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may show iron accumulation in the brain.
Treatment[edit]
There is currently no cure for neuroferritinopathy. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, and may include medications to manage movement symptoms and physical therapy to improve mobility and strength.
See also[edit]
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