Definition:
Neuroacanthocytosis is also known as Levine-Critchley syndrome or chorea-acanthocytosis). It is a rare movement disorder. This disorder has adult and childhood varieties.
Neuroacanthocytosis is typically an inherited autosomal recessive disorder. Occurrence is more prevalent in males than in females.
Diagnosis:
For the purpose of diagnosing Neuroacanthocytosis, the following disorders are taken into account: Huntington's disease, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, Tardive dyskinesia, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome , Seizures, McLeod syndrome. This diagnostic approach is referred to as differential diagnosis.
Treatment:
Symptomatic and supportive treatment is essential for Neuroacanthocytosis. Symptomatic treatment means administering proper medication to relieve the symptoms present in the individual suffering from Neuroacanthocytosis. For example, botulinum toxin injections are known to relax muscles and minimize unintentional movement. There are also some instances when speech and physical therapy are highly beneficial.
Symptoms and Signs:
The disorder is marked by distinguished characteristics including the following:
* Progressive muscle weakness
* Atrophy or partial/complete wasting away of a certain body part.
* Progressive cognitive loss
* Involuntary twisting movements of the body
* Spiked red blood cells in association to some neurological disorders that are inherited (acanthocytosis).
* Facial tics
* Uncontrolled muscle movements
* Walking instability
* Seizures
* Tongue and lip biting
* Changes in personality, comprehension, and judgment
Causes:
Neuroacanthocytosis is caused by degeneration of the basal ganglia and loss of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The basal ganglia are the part of the brain responsible for controlling movement.
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