En Español | Plain Text Version | Skip Navigation

You are here:  Home > Disorders > Batten Disease

NINDS Batten Disease Information Page

Skip secondary menu

Synonym(s):   Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
Condensed from Batten Disease Fact Sheet

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Batten Disease?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information
Publicaciones en Español

What is Batten Disease?
Batten disease is a fatal, inherited disorder of the nervous system that begins in childhood. In some cases, the early signs are subtle, taking the form of personality and behavior changes, slow learning, clumsiness, or stumbling. Symptoms of Batten disease are linked to a buildup of substances called lipopigments in the body's tissues. Lipopigments are made up of fats and proteins. Because vision loss is often an early sign, Batten disease may be first suspected during an eye exam. Often, an eye specialist or other physician may refer the child to a neurologist. Diagnostic tests for Batten disease include blood or urine tests, skin or tissue sampling, an electroencephalogram (EEG), electrical studies of the eyes, and brain scans.

Is there any treatment?

As yet, no specific treatment is known that can halt or reverse the symptoms of Batten disease. However, seizures can sometimes be reduced or controlled with anticonvulsant drugs, and other medical problems can be treated appropriately as they arise. Physical therapy and occupational therapy may help patients retain functioning as long as possible.

What is the prognosis?

Over time, affected children suffer mental impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of sight and motor skills. Eventually, children with Batten disease become blind, bedridden, and demented. Batten disease is often fatal by the late teens or twenties.

What research is being done?

The biochemical defects that underlie several NCLs have recently been discovered. An enzyme called palmitoyl-protein thioesterase has been shown to be insufficiently active in the infantile form of Batten disease (this condition is now referred to as CLN1). In the late infantile form (CLN2), a deficiency of an acid protease, an enzyme that hydrolyzes proteins, has been found as the cause of this condition. A mutated gene has been identified in juvenile Batten disease (CLN3), but the protein for which this gene codes has not been identified. In addition, research scientists are working with NCL animal models to improve understanding and treatment of these disorders. One research team, for example, is testing the usefulness of bone marrow transplantation in a sheep model, while other investigators are working to develop mouse models. Mouse models will make it easier for scientists to study the genetics of these diseases.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Organizations

Batten Disease Support and Research Association
166 Humphries Drive
Reynoldsburg, OH   43068
bdsra1@bdsra.org
http://www.bdsra.org
Tel: 800-448-4570 740-927-4298
Fax: 740-927-7683

 Children's Brain Disease Foundation [A Batten Disease Resource]
Parnassus Heights Medical Building, Suite 900
Suite 900
San Francisco, CA   94117
jrider6022@aol.com
Tel: 415-665-3003
Fax: 415-665-3003
Nathan's Battle Foundation [For Batten Disease Research]
459 South State Road 135
Greenwood, IN   46142
pmilto@indy.net
http://www.nathansbattle.com
Tel: 317-888-7396
Fax: 317-888-0504

 Hide and Seek Foundation for Lysosomal Storage Disease Research
4123 Lankershim Boulevard
Suite 302
No. Hollywood, CA   91602-2828
info@hideandseek.org
http://www.hideandseek.org
Tel: 818-762-8621
Fax: 818-762-2502
Related NINDS Publications and Information
Publicaciones en Español


Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892



NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Return to top

Last updated July 15, 2008