National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is a group of inherited neurologic disorders in which iron accumulates in the basal ganglia. Symptoms include progressive dystonia (a movement disorder resulting in muscular spasms, twisting, and repetitive movements) spasticity, parkinsonism (slurred or slow speech, stiffness of the muscles, slow movement, and visible tremors), inability to coordinate movements (ataxia), neuropsychiatric abnormalities (confusion, disorientation, seizures, stupor, dementia), and eye problems, such as optic atrophy or retinal degeneration. The age of onset ranges from infancy to late adulthood, and the rate of progression varies. Some subtypes have cognitive decline.[1][2] Cerebellar atrophy is common in many cases.[1]

There are ten recognized types of NBIA, classified according to the altered gene that causes the disease. These genes include PANK2, PLA2G6, C19orf12, FA2H, ATP13A2, WDR45, COASY, FTL, CP and  DCAF17. Eight of the ten types of NBIA are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The type known as beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), caused by mutations in the WDR45 gene, is inherited in an X-linked dominant manner. The neuroferritinopathy, caused by mutations in the FTL gene, is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.[1]

There is no cure for NBIA.[2][3] Treatment is symptomatic, and includes medication such as baclofen, trihexyphenidyl, botulinum toxin, and a procedure known as  deep brain stimulation to treat dystonia.[1]  Levodopa and anticholinergic drugs may also bring some relief of parkinsonian symptoms.[3]

The NBIA Disorders Association has detailed information about NBIA. 

 

Last updated: 1/20/2017

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

Showing of 10 |
Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Dystonia 0001332
Iron accumulation in brain 0012675
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Abnormality of extrapyramidal motor function 0002071
Cerebellar atrophy
Degeneration of cerebellum
0001272
Chorea 0002072
Dysarthria
Difficulty articulating speech
0001260
Optic atrophy 0000648
Retinopathy
Noninflammatory retina disease
0000488
Rigidity
Muscle rigidity
0002063
Spasticity
Involuntary muscle stiffness, contraction, or spasm
0001257
Showing of 10 |
Last updated: 7/1/2020

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Social Networking Websites

  • RareConnect has an online community for patients and families with this condition so they can connect with others and share their experiences living with a rare disease. The project is a joint collaboration between EURORDIS (European Rare Disease Organisation) and NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • GeneReviews provides current, expert-authored, peer-reviewed, full-text articles describing the application of genetic testing to the diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling of patients with specific inherited conditions.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Hayflick GAS. Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation Disorders Overview. GeneReviews. February 28, 2013; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK121988/.
  2. Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation Disorders. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Neurodegeneration-Brain-Iron-Accumulation-Information-Page.
  3. Jankovic J. Bradykinetic movement disorders in children. UpToDate. August 12, 2015; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/bradykinetic-movement-disorders-in-children.