Definition of Hallervorden-Spatz disease:

Hallervorden-Spatz disease is a movement disorder that is passed down through families (inherited).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hallervorden-Spatz is a disease that slowly gets worse (is degenerative). It usually begins in childhood. The condition involves muscle rigidity, weakness, and movement problems.

Most cases of Hallervorden-Spatz are due to a defect in a gene that makes a protein called pantothenate kinase 2. Patients with this genetic defect have a build up of iron in parts of the brain, especially the basal ganglia.