U.S. flag
        An official website of the United States government
          Here’s how you know

      Official websites use .gov
                A
                .gov
                website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
          Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
                A lock
                  (
                  
                  )
                   or
                  https://
                   means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.Search
                Menu
    
                      Información en Español
                      Search NINDSSearch NINDS
            

            Main navigation
  

        
              Health Information
                                     Toggle Health Information Dropdown
                                Disorders
                Clinical Trials
                Patient & Caregiver Education
                Public Education
                Support Resources
                Funding
                                     Toggle Funding Dropdown
                                Find Funding Opportunities
                About Funding
                Preparing Your Application
                After You Submit
                Determining Your Funding Likelihood
                Manage Your Award
                NINDS Small Business Program
                Training & Career Development
                Current Research
                                     Toggle Current Research Dropdown
                                Coronavirus and NINDS
                Focus on Disorders
                Focus on Tools & Topics
                Research Funded by NINDS
                Research at NINDS
                Scientific Resources
                Trans-Agency Activities
                News & Events
                                     Toggle News & Events Dropdown
                                Events
                News
                Director's Messages
                About NINDS
                                     Toggle About NINDS Dropdown
                                Who We Are
                What We Do
                Job Opportunities 
 Home
SHARE: Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation
On this page

            What is neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation?

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is a rare, inherited, neurological movement disorder characterized by an abnormal accumulation of iron in the brain and progressive degeneration of the nervous system.Several genes have been found that cause NBIA.

Symptoms, which vary greatly and usually develop during childhood, can include:

Dystonia (slow writhing, distorting muscle contractions of the limbs, face, or trunk)
	Dysarthria (slurred or slow speech)
	Choreoathetosis (involuntary, purposeless jerky muscle movements)
	Muscle rigidity (uncontrolled tightness of the muscles)
	Spasticity (sudden, involuntary muscle spasms)

Ataxia (inability to coordinate movements)
	Confusion
	Seizures
	Stupor
	Dementia
	Visual changes

Cognitive decline occurs in some forms of NBIA, however, the majority of individuals with NBIA do not have cognitive impairment.

NBIA is a progressive condition. Most individuals experience periods of rapid decline lasting weeks to months, with relatively stable periods in between. The rate of progression correlates with the age at onset. For those with early onset, dystonia and spasticity can eventually limit the ability to walk.

There is no cure for NBIA, nor is there a standard course of treatment. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, and may include physical or occupational therapy, exercise physiology, and/or speech pathology.

file-medical

Learn About Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are studies that allow us to learn more about disorders and improve care. They can help connect patients with new and upcoming treatment options.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more aboutNBIAand related disorders. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visitNIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people withNBIAatClinicaltrials.gov.

Where can I find more information about neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation?

Information may be available from the following resources:

EastersealsPhone: 800-221-6827

MedlinePlus

NBIA Disorders AssociationPhone: 619-588-2315

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)Phone:203-744-0100 or 800-999-6673; 844-259-7178 Spanish
book-open

Order publications from the NINDS Catalog

The NINDS Publication Catalog offers printed materials on neurological disorders for patients, health professionals, and the general public. All materials are free of charge, and a downloadable PDF version is also available for most publications. Health Information
  
    

    Disorders
                                                              
                    
                                      Glossary of Neurological Terms
    
            Order PublicationsClinical Trials
                                                              
                    
                                      Clinical Trials in the Spotlight
    
            Find NINDS Clinical TrialsPatient & Caregiver Education
                                                              
                    
                                      Brain Attack Coalition
    
            Brain DonationPublic Education
                                                              
                    
                                      Brain Basics
                                                              
                    
                                      Know Your Brain
    
            Understanding Sleep
    
            Preventing Stroke
    
            The Life and Death of a Neuron
    
            Genes and the BrainKnow Stroke
                                                              
                    
                                      Health Professionals
                                                              
                    
                                      NIH Stroke ScalePatients and Caregivers
    
            Researchers
    
            Shareable Resources
                                                              
                    
                                      Recursos en EspañolMigraine Trainer® App
                                                              
                    
                                      Migraine Trainer® Shareable ResourcesMind Your Risks®
    
            NINDS Brain Educational Resources
        
  
              
    
            Support Resources
                                                              
                    
                                      Patient Organizations
    
            Professional Societies
    
            Government Resources

Did you find the content you were looking for?
  Yes, I did find the content I was looking for



No, I did not find the content I was looking forPlease rate how easy it was to navigate the NINDS website
  Very easy to navigate



Easy to navigate



Neutral



Difficult to navigate



Very difficult to navigateThank you for letting us know! Any other feedback?Submit

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policyand Terms of Serviceapply.

      Last reviewed on November 28, 2023
        Contact Us
  

        
              Contact NINDS
                Visitor Information
        Related Sites
  

        
              Site Map
                National Institutes of Health
                Department of Health & Human Services
                USA.gov
        Policies
  

        
              Accessibility
                Freedom of Information Act
                Linking Policy
                Privacy Statement
                Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
Follow NINDS On Social Media
          
          National Institutes of Health (NIH)
          9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892