Cover Page»
:: How to recognise Neurocanthocytosis

The first signs of the diseases in the neuroacanthocytosis (NA) group are subtle and easily overlooked. Initial symptoms, which often occur in the person’s mid 20’s, may include grunts or tic noises made unconsciously in the throat, progressing to drooling and problems in controlling the tongue from ejecting food. Involuntary biting of the tongue, lips and/or cheeks may follow.

At the beginning there can be a general, slight physical awkwardness. Things on a shelf are knocked off for no apparent reason. Difficulty with walking and balance can also be early symptoms. Problems controlling trunk, leg and arm movements are often barely noticeable at the beginning, but become increasingly difficult as the disease progresses. Several patients find it difficult to sleep at night and others report fatigue and weakness.

Personality change may also be an early indication. The carefree young adult becomes obsessive-compulsive and uncharacteristically forgetful or just loses confidence or drive. Fainting or epileptic seizures may also occur. Mood changes may happen and a person often becomes isolated, in part out of embarrassment.

There are several reports of the problems beginning after a traumatic event including physical attack, unexpected failure of an exam and birth of a child.

CLINICAL SIGNS

A defining symptom that is not apparent is the spiky red blood cells, or acanthocytes, from which the NA disease group takes its name. These unusual blood cells can be observed with a microscope in some circumstances. Still more difficult to observe are the alterations or mutations in patients’ genes. Each of the NA group diseases has a different genetic characteristic that can be determined only by blood tests.

A person showing some of this pattern of symptoms should see a neurologist. Clinicians and patients can also visit www.naadvocacy.org for links to further scientific reports. Full details are also available on the free blood testing service offered by the Advocacy for Neuroacanthocytosis Patients, aimed at helping determine a definitive diagnosis for NA.



:: Useful NA Resources

  • Neuroacanthocytosis Syndromes II, published December 2007, the book provides a profound insight into recent developments within the field of neuroacanthocytosis syndromes. Edited by Ruth H. Walker, Shinji Saiki and Adrian Danek. Available at amazon.com
  • A Western blot test for the presence of chorein in the membranes of red blood cells can be offered free of charge due to support of the Advocacy for Neuroacanthocytosis Patients'. Download instructions on the blood sampling and specimen shipment as a PDF or get more information on the method at PubMed
  • The entry for chorea acanthocytosis in GeneReviews is the most complete, readily available report on ChAc. Published by the University of Washington with the support of the National Institutes of Health
  • A dedicated Patient & Families Support Group at Yahoo Groups offers patients and families information, advice, support or just an understanding ear
  • Visit PubMed for access to NA research in English from the Medline database.
  • Search Google for the latest on NA
  • Visit the NA page on WeMove, the Movement Disorder Societies charitable and educational associate



:: naadvocacy.org

naadvocacy.org is the website of the The Institute for Neuroacanthocytosis. It is the Advocacy's international centre for supporting patients and promoting clinical and basic research. The website provides access to resources found on the website.

  • Patients' Centre
  • Clinic
  • Library
  • Symposia
  • NA News
  • Research
  • Fundraising


:: Previous Issues
NA News Issue 19

NA News Issue 18

NA News Issue 17

NA News Patient Special Issue

NA News Issue 16

NA News Issue 15

NA News Issue 14

NA News Issue 13

NA News Issue 12

NA News Issue 11
:: Join NA News

NA News

Email Address:
Remove

IN MEMORIAM

Joe DeVincentis
Joe DeVincentis.
Joseph DeVincentis, 63 of Colonia, New Jersey departed from this life on Monday, December 3, 2012. He was at home with his wife and son in Haven Hospice care. Joe was born on April 29, 1949, in Newark, NJ and lived in Irvington and Linden, before moving to Colonia in 1975. He was a graduate of Linden High School, Kean University, Rutgers University, and Montclair University.

Joe was a dedicated research chemist at Bristol-Myers Squibb for more than 30 years. While there he was instrumental in organizing intramural softball teams, of which he captained the "Rubber Policemen." Joe loved trying new restaurants, searching for the perfect sopressata, going to Broadway shows, traveling, and most of all, spending time with his family and friends. He was a devoted father, a loving husband, and beloved grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all.

Joe is survived by his wife Lillian, sons, Marc and Paul, four grandchildren, two daughter-in-laws, sister-in-law Maria, and nieces Diane and Laura. Always full of life and love, Joe strongly believed in helping others. To this end he has donated his body to research at Mt. Sinai Hospital to further the research of McLeod's disease.

Share | Comment (0)