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

Paroxysomal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia



Can you help me find information on the diagnosis of secondary (non-genetic) paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia?

Yes. Sporadic (non-genetic) causes of PNKD have been reported in the literature. Non-genetic causes include lesions of the basal ganglia (nerve cells deep in the brain) due to multiple sclerosis, tumors, and vascular lesions. In addition, lesions outside the basal ganglia (including those due to penetrating injury) have been reported as causing symptoms similar to those found in PNKD. In these situations, careful evaluation by a neurologist and neuroimaging (such as MRI) may be necessary for diagnosis.[1]
Last updated: 6/21/2016

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  1. Spacey S, Adams P. Familial Paroxysmal Nonkinesigenic Dyskinesia. GeneReviews. May 3, 2011; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1221/.