Which are the symptoms of Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation?

Symptoms of Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA)

Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) is a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by abnormal iron accumulation in the brain, leading to progressive degeneration of the nervous system. The symptoms of NBIA can vary depending on the specific subtype of the disorder, but there are some common features that are often observed.

1. Movement Disorders:

One of the primary symptoms of NBIA is the presence of movement disorders. These can include:

• Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive or twisting movements.


• Chorea: Involuntary, jerky, and irregular movements.


• Ataxia: Lack of coordination and unsteady gait.


• Spasticity: Stiffness and tightness of muscles, leading to difficulty in movement.

2. Parkinsonism:

Many individuals with NBIA develop symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, including:

• Tremors: Involuntary shaking of hands, legs, or other body parts.


• Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement.


• Rigidity: Stiffness and resistance to limb movement.

3. Cognitive and Behavioral Changes:

Some forms of NBIA can also lead to cognitive and behavioral changes, such as:

• Dementia: Progressive decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities.


• Psychiatric symptoms: Depression, anxiety, mood swings, and personality changes.

4. Speech and Swallowing Difficulties:

Many individuals with NBIA experience difficulties with speech and swallowing, which can manifest as:

• Dysarthria: Slurred or unclear speech.


• Dysphagia: Difficulty in swallowing, leading to choking or aspiration.

5. Vision and Hearing Problems:

In some cases, NBIA can affect vision and hearing, resulting in:

• Visual impairment: Blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, or difficulty in controlling eye movements.


• Hearing loss: Partial or complete loss of hearing.

6. Systemic Symptoms:

Some individuals with NBIA may also exhibit systemic symptoms, including:

• Generalized muscle weakness: Reduced muscle strength throughout the body.


• Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, leading to seizures.


• Organ dysfunction: In rare cases, NBIA can affect the function of other organs, such as the liver or heart.

It is important to note that the symptoms and their severity can vary widely among individuals with NBIA. The age of onset, rate of disease progression, and specific symptoms experienced can differ significantly between different subtypes of NBIA.