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Living with Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 1

A type of NCL caused by changes in the PPT1 gene, with seizures and loss of skills, starting in infancy.

Understanding Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 1

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 1 is a type of NCL associated with changes in the PPT1 gene.

It is one of a group of inherited nervous system conditions in which fatty pigments build up inside cells. Features include seizures, loss of skills, poor coordination, vision loss, low muscle tone, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. GARD lists onset in infancy.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Loss of skills (psychomotor deterioration)
  • Seizures
  • Poor coordination (ataxia)
  • Vision loss
  • Low muscle tone
  • Delayed development

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists, eye disease specialists, genetic specialists and seizure and epilepsy specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in PPT1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    BDSRA Foundation and Epilepsy Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Seizure and epilepsy specialists (epileptologist)
Expert care
Expert lists: BDSRA Foundation, Epilepsy Foundation
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 BDSRA Foundation 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Should we have genetic testing for the PPT1 gene?
Which treatments can help with seizures?
Which specialists should be on my child's care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startInfant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesPPT1

It is caused by changes in the PPT1 gene. A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive).

GeneticNeurologicalInherited MetabolicLysosomal Storage

Also known as: ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal 1; ceroid lipofuscinosis, neuronal, 1; ceroid lipofuscinosis, neuronal, 1, variable age at onset; ceroid lipofuscinosis, neuronal, type 1; ceroid storage disease; cln1

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 1GARD ID 1219 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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