• Shekiba Madadi, Kawsar Alami, Yudai Kaneda, and Pazhman Sediqi.
• Neuropsychiatry Department, Ariana Medical Complex, Kabul, Afghanistan.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Jun 21; 103 (25): e38542e38542.

RationaleFahr syndrome is a rare, degenerative neurological condition characterized by bilateral idiopathic calcification of the periventricular region, especially the basal ganglia. This condition is often misdiagnosed as other neurological or psychiatric disorders due to its rarity and overlapping symptoms.Patient ConcernsA 34-year-old man had been experiencing seizures and cognitive dysfunction for few years, which were further compounded by slurred speech and motor difficulties as acute conditions.DiagnosisAfter investigations, severe hypocalcemia, and hypoparathyroidism were detected and his brain computed tomography showed extensive bilateral calcifications in basal ganglia, thalamus, dentate nuclei, and some parts of subcortical white matter, suggestive of Fahr syndrome. Although, the patient was initially misdiagnosed due to a lack of information and the rarity of this disease.InterventionThe patient was treated with intravenous calcium gluconate, vitamin D3, l-ornithine l-aspartate syrup, and levetiracetam, replacing carbamazepine.OutcomeHis symptoms, including slurred speech, muscle pain, and stiffness improved, serum calcium normalized, and he was discharged with medications for memory deficit and depression.LessonsThis case underscores the importance of raising awareness among physicians, especially in areas with limited medical resources, about the significance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate symptomatic treatment in enhancing patient prognosis and quality of life.Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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