Encephalopathy-basal ganglia-calcification
Overview
Abnormal calcium deposits in the part of the brain called the basal ganglia. Type 1 results in psychiatric, cognitive or neurological problems associated with the calcification. The symptoms experienced are variable.
Symptoms
* Progressive encephalopathy * Cerebellar ataxia * Tremor * Mental detrioration * Progressive speech impairment
Diagnosis
* Encephalopathy/postanoxic * Radiation therapy * Head and neck radiation * Irradiation brain * Irradiation pituitary
Treatment
pharmacologic treatment to improve anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and dystonia; oxybutynin for urinary incontinence; appropriate antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for seizures. Surveillance: annual neurologic and neuropsychiatric assessments. Agents/circumstances to avoid: cautious use of neuroleptic medication as it may exacerbate extrapyramidal symptoms. Other: generally poor response of parkinsonian features to levodopa therapy.