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Living with X-linked intellectual disability-limb spasticity-retinal dystrophy-diabetes insipidus syndrome

A rare X-linked condition with severe learning disability, muscle stiffness, eye disease, and too much urine from diabetes insipidus.

Understanding X-linked intellectual disability-limb spasticity-retinal dystrophy-diabetes insipidus syndrome

This rare X-linked disease has severe intellectual disability, stiff limbs, an inherited eye disease (Leber's congenital amaurosis), and diabetes insipidus.

Diabetes insipidus is a hormone problem that causes too much urine and thirst. GARD also describes distinct facial features, short stature, and brain differences on MRI. Signs begin during pregnancy or the newborn period.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Profound intellectual disability
  • Eye disease (retinal dystrophy)
  • Diabetes insipidus
  • Stiff arms and legs
  • Seizures
  • Slow growth before birth

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 and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in PRPS1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
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 rare disease patient organizations for support
  • 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
Could PRPS1 genetic testing help our family?
How can vision and thirst or urine be managed?
Which specialists should be on my child's care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn
InheritanceX-Linked
GenesPRPS1

This condition is caused by changes in the PRPS1 gene and follows X-linked inheritance.

GeneticNeurologicalInherited Metabolic

Also known as: x-linked intellectual disability, limb spasticity, retinal dystrophy, arginine vasopressin deficiency; x-linked intellectual disability, limb spasticity, retinal dystrophy, diabetes insipidus syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · X-linked intellectual disability-limb spasticity-retinal dystrophy-diabetes insipidus syndromeGARD ID 21752 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with X-linked intellectual disability-limb spasticity-retinal dystrophy-diabetes insipidus syndrome.

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