Living with Brunner syndrome
A rare condition, almost only in males, with mild intellectual disability and behavior and impulse control challenges from early childhood.
Understanding Brunner syndrome
It involves mild intellectual disability and behavior problems starting in early childhood. Many boys have trouble controlling impulses, with outbursts. Features of autism spectrum disorder or ADHD can occur. Sleep problems are possible. Some people have episodes of flushing, sweating, headaches, or diarrhea, and certain foods such as cheese may make symptoms worse.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Behavior differences
- Mild intellectual disability
- Trouble controlling impulses
- Sleep problems
- Flushing, sweating, headaches, or diarrhea episodes
- Features of autism or ADHD
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in MAOA are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Monoamine Oxidase Deficiency Foundation (MAODF) may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Monoamine Oxidase Deficiency Foundation (MAODF)
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Monoamine Oxidase Deficiency Foundation (MAODF) and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in the MAOA gene on the X chromosome cause this condition. It is inherited in an X-linked way.
Also known as: antisocial behavior, x-linked recessive; brnrs; brunner syndrome, x-linked recessive; deficiency of monoamine oxidase a; monoamine oxidase a deficiency
Patient organizations
- Monoamine Oxidase Deficiency Foundation (MAODF)Brunner syndrome · United States
- Simons SearchlightBrunner syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Brunner syndrome.
Explore research for Brunner syndrome
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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