TYPES
There are four types of Batten disease. The type will give out the age when symptoms happen and how quickly they grow.
Initially, physicians just alluded to one type of NCL as Batten disease, however the name now alludes to the group of disorders. Of the four types, the three affecting children all lead to visual impairment.
Congenital NCL can affect infants and can make them develop seizures and small heads or microcephaly. It’s exceptionally uncommon, and frequently brings about death not long after an infant is conceived.
Infantile NCL (INCL) usually appears between the ages of six months and 2 years. It additionally can cause microcephaly, with jerks in the muscles. Most kids with INCL die before they turn five years of age.
Late Infantile NCL (LINCL) commonly begins between the ages of two and four years old, with seizures that don’t improve with treatment. It leads to poor muscle coordination and may also cause death.
Adult NCL (ANCL) begins before the age of 40. Individuals who have it have shorter life expectancies, however, death can differ from individual to individual. The manifestations of ANCL are milder and they will progress gradually. This type of disease doesn’t bring about blindness.
SYMPTOMS
After some time, Batten disease harms the central nervous system. These are the common manifestations:
- Seizures
- Changes in personality and behavior
- Dementia
- Speech and motor skills problems that get worse over time