Hallervorden-Spatz disease
Definition
Hallervorden-Spatz disease is a movement disorder that is passed down through families (inherited).
Causes
Hallervorden-Spatz is a disease that slowly gets worse (is degenerative). It usually begins in childhood. The condition involves muscle rigidity, weakness, and movement problems.
Most cases of Hallervorden-Spatz are due to a defect in a gene that makes a protein called pantothenate kinase 2. Patients with this genetic defect have a build up of iron in parts of the brain, especially the basal ganglia.
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