Fahr's syndrome
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robot Adding: [[pl:Choroba Fahra]]
{{Infobox_Disease
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Image =
| Caption = Idiopathic Basal Ganglia Calcification
| DiseasesDB = 32200
| ICD10 =
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| ICDO =
| OMIM = 213600
| MedlinePlus =
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'''Idiopathic Basal Ganglia Calcification''', also known as '''Fahr disease''' or '''Fahr’s Syndrome''' is a rare, [[dominance relationship|genetically dominant]], inherited [[neurology|neurological]] disorder characterized by abnormal deposits of [[calcium]] in areas of the [[brain]] that control movement, including the [[basal ganglia]] and the [[cerebral cortex]]. It is a rare degenerative neurological disorder characterized by calcifications and cell loss within the [[basal ganglia]].<ref>[http://jnnp.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/75/8/1163 JNNP - Sign In Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The disease was first noted by [[Germany|German]] neurologist [[Karl Theodor Fahr]] in 1930. <ref>T. Fahr:
Idiopathische Verkalkung der Hirngefässe.
Zentralblatt für allgemeine Pathologie und pathologische Anatomie, 1930-1931, 50: 129-133.
</ref>
==Symptoms==
Symptoms of the disorder may include deterioration of motor function, pychosis [[dementia]], [[seizure]]s, [[headache]], [[dysarthria]] (poorly articulated speech), [[spasticity]] (stiffness of the limbs) and [[spastic paralysis]], eye impairments, and [[athetosis]] (involuntary, writhing movements). Although Fahr’s disease appears most commonly with motor deficits, about 40% of the patients with Fahr’s disease are seen with primarily cognitive and other psychiatric findings.<ref>[http://jnnp.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/75/8/1163 JNNP - Sign In Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Fahr’s Syndrome can also include symptoms characteristic of [[Parkinson disease]] such as tremors, muscle rigidity, a mask-like facial appearance, shuffling gait, and a “pill-rolling” motion of the fingers. These symptoms generally occur later in the development of the disease.
More common symptoms include [[dystonia]] (disordered muscle tone) and [[chorea]] (involuntary, rapid, jerky movements). Age of onset is typically in the 40s or 50s, although it can occur at any time in childhood or adolescence.
==Prognosis==
There is no [[cure]] for Fahr’s Syndrome, nor is there a standard course of treatment. Treatment addresses symptoms on an individual basis. Case reports have suggested that [[haloperidol]] or [[lithium carbonate]] may help with [[psychotic]] symptoms.<Ref>Munir KM. The treatment of psychotic symptoms in Fahr's disease with lithium carbonate. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1986 Feb;6(1):36-8. </ref>
The prognosis for any individual with Fahr’s Syndrome is variable and hard to predict. There is no reliable correlation between age, extent of calcium deposits in the brain, and neurological deficit. Since the appearance of calcification is age-dependent, a [[CT scan]] could be negative in a gene carrier who is younger than the age of 55.
Progressive neurological deterioration generally results in disability and death.
==Related research==
The [[National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]] (NINDS) supports and conducts research on [[neurogenetic]] disorders such as Fahr’s Syndrome. The goals of this research are to locate and understand the actions of the [[gene]]s involved in this disorder. Finding these genes could lead to effective ways to treat and prevent Fahr’s Syndrome.
==Source==
This article is based on a Q&A website prepared by NINDS [http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/fahrs/fahrs.htm], part of the [[National Institutes of Health]] located in [[Bethesda, Maryland|Bethesda]], [[Maryland]].
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied.
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
==References==
<references/>
==External links==
* [http://rad.usuhs.edu/medpix/master.php3?mode=topic_images&pk=4582&quiz=#top Fahr Syndrome Images (MedPix)]
* [http://www.rarediseases.org National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)]
* [http://www.nia.nih.gov National Institute on Aging (NIA)]
* [http://www.nimh.nih.gov National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[category:Genetic disorders]]
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[[es:Síndrome de Fahr]]
[[fr:Syndrome de Fahr]]
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[[pl:Choroba Fahra]]