Atypical neurological decline in a teenager: A case of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration

• Author Details:   
• Hardik Shah ^*
• Naiya Bhavsar
• Rajeshri Mehta
• Ashok Bhandari
• Nainesh Gorvadia

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Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN), formerly Hallervorden-Spatz disease, is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive movement abnormalities and iron accumulation in the basal ganglia.
A 13-year-old male presented with a history of progressive gait disturbances, involuntary limb movements, and developmental regression. Imaging showed the pathognomonic "eye-of-the-tiger" sign in the globus pallidus. Supportive treatment was initiated.
This case demonstrates typical clinical and radiological findings of adolescent-onset PKAN. Early diagnosis can facilitate timely symptomatic intervention.

Keywords: Extrapyramidal sign, Hallervorden-Spatz disease, Dystonia, Dementia.