Basal ganglia calcification is a disorder characterized by abnormal calcium deposits in the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex areas of the brain; affecting movement, consciousness, memory, motor skills, as well as causing psychiatric and behavioral difficulties. Although considered rare, basal ganglia calcification is believed to be underdiagnosed since calcium deposits are only recognized by brain imaging tests. (Josiah, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Health). This condition can be very frustrating for the individual as well as the family. Since the age of five, my daughter, Brittany, began exhibiting several disabilities, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning difficulties, short stature, and hand tremors. , all of which had no known cause or causal link. However, at the age of thirteen, he was diagnosed with basal ganglia calcification, after a CT scan performed to diagnose the sudden onset of severe headaches revealed the existence of calcium deposits. Although the CT scan was not a key factor in diagnosing the root cause of his headaches, it was a key factor in determining the possible cause of his noted disabilities. Although the cause of basal ganglia calcification is unknown, it has been associated with toxic exposure, such as carbon monoxide poisoning; infections, such as congenital conditions, tuberculosis, AIDS; metabolic imbalances, such as thyroid disorders, and genetic disorders, such as mitochondrial diseases (MELAS), Cockayne syndrome, and pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), also known as Hallervorden syndrome- Spatz (Knipe). Calcification of the basal ganglia can lead to psychiatric disorders and b...... middle of article ......and Hearing Center, Plattsburgh StateUniversity. Plattsburgh, New York. October 5, 2009. Drugs.com. Propranolol. Internet. December 5, 2013. Genetics Home Reference: Your guide to understanding genetic conditions. “Familial idiopathic basal ganglia calcification.” American Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. November 12, 2013. The web. November 14, 2013.Josiah, Andy. “What is basal ganglia calcification?” » Sagegeek. October 19, 2013. The web. November 19, 2013. Knipe, Henry, MD and Gaillard, Frank, MD, et al, UMB Medica Network. Radiopaedia.orgWeb. November 16, 2013. NINDS Fahr syndrome information page. “What is Fahr syndrome.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). February 13, 2007. The web. November 19, 2013Phillips, Michael, MD. Radiology report: Brain without contrast. Champlain Valley Medical Center. October 14, 2005 Fort, Brittany. Personal interview. November 16 2013.