Turkish Journal of Geriatrics
2011 , Vol 14, Issue 2
A RARE CASE OF NEUROLOGIC SYNDROME IN A GERIATRIC PATIENT: FAHR DISEASE (BILATERAL STRIATO-PALLIDO-DENTATE CALCIFICATION) AND ITS REHABILITATION
S. B. Ankara Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi 5 FTR Kliniği ANKARA
Fahr's disease is a rare syndrome characterized by bilateral calcification of basal ganglia. The
basal ganglia, dentate nucleus, thalami, cerebral and cerebellar white matter are frequently involved.
Clinical picture of Fahr's syndrome varies greatly and most cases present extrapyramidal
cerebellar and psychiatric symptoms. Additionally Fahr's disease may include cognitive impairments
dementia, epileptic seizures and speech disorders. Its etiology remains unknown. This disease
is especially associated to hypoparathyroidism with disorder of calcium and phosphorus
metabolism, Its mostly diagnosed with brain computed tomographic scans. Early diagnosis and
rehabilitation is very important in this rare syndrome. We present a 66-year-old male patient with
Fahr's disease presenting with choreiform movements in right upper extremity, disorders of speech
and ambulation and idiopathic hypoparathyroidism who was admittted for a rehabilitation
program.
Keywords :
Aged; Basal Ganglia Diseases/radiography; Cognition Disorders/etiology; Rehabilitation