Neurol Case Rep | Volume 7, Issue 2 | Case Report | Open Access
Wnuk MT1, Milo BM2 and Holbert RC2*
1University of Florida College of Medicine, University of Florida Shands, USA 2Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida Shands, USA
*Correspondance to: Holbert RC
Fulltext PDFIntroduction: Fahr’s disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by idiopathic calcifications within the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. Although traditionally associated with movement disorders, the psychiatric manifestations of Fahr’s disease are not well-documented. This case report presents a unique instance of a patient with predominant psychiatric symptoms prior to the onset of motor abnormalities. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 43-year-old female with no significant medical history, who presented initially with delusions and hallucinations, leading to her admission under the Baker Act in 2019. Imaging at that time revealed basal ganglia calcifications, which were dismissed due to the lack of significant clinical symptoms. Four years later, she presented again with exacerbated psychiatric symptoms and new-onset motor abnormalities. Repeat imaging showed progression of the calcifications, including new involvement of the cerebral cortex. Despite treatment with antipsychotics and therapy, her symptoms only partially improved, highlighting the progressive nature of the disease. Discussion: This case underscores the importance of considering Fahr’s disease in the differential diagnosis of psychiatric symptoms, particularly when imaging reveals brain calcifications. The case is notable as it represents a rare documentation of concomitant psychiatric and motor symptoms in Fahr’s disease, emphasizing the need for awareness and further research into its pathophysiology and treatment.
Wnuk MT, Milo BM, Holbert RC. Unique Neuropsychiatric Presentation of a 43-year-old with Fahr’s Disease. Neurol Case Rep. 2024; 7(2): 1050..