Multiple Sclerosis Health Center
Balo Disease
Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Balo Diseaseis not the name you expected.
Synonyms
- Concentric Sclerosis
- Encephalitis Periaxialis Concentrica
- Leukoencephalitis Periaxialis Concentric
Disorder Subdivisions
- None
General Discussion
Balo Disease is a rare and progressive variant of multiple sclerosis. It usually first appears in adulthood, but childhood cases have also been reported. While multiple sclerosis typically is a disease that waxes and wanes, Balo Disease is different in that it tends to be rapidly progressive. Symptoms may include headache, seizures, gradual paralysis, involuntary muscle spasms, and cognitive loss. The alternative names for Balo Disease, concentric sclerosis or Balo concentric sclerosis, refer to the fact that Balo Disease is characterized by bands of intact myelin (the sheath of fatty substances surrounding nerve fibers) alternating with rings of loss of myelin (demyelination) in various parts of the brain and brain stem. The symptoms of Balo Disease vary, according to the areas of the brain that are affected. Symptoms may progress rapidly over several weeks or more slowly over two to three years.
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Resources
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
22100 Gratiot Avenue
Eastpointe
MI
48021-2227
Tel: (586)776-3900
Fax: (586)776-3903
800: (800)598-4668
aarda@aarda.org
http://www.aarda.org/
United Leukodystrophy Foundation
2304 Highland Drive
Sycamore
IL
60178
Tel: (815)895-3211
Fax: (815)895-2432
800: (800)728-5483
office@ulf.org
http://www.ulf.org/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda
MD
20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
800: (800)352-9424
braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
AutoImmunity Community
Tel: (919) 552-9057
bandrews@autoimmunitycommunity.org
http://autoimmunitycommunity.org
For a Complete Report:
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 9/17/2007
Copyright 1986, 1994, 2003, 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders
