What does Batten Disease primarily begin with?

Batten Disease, also known as Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), primarily begins with vision loss due to its effect on the retina and the central nervous system. In the early stages of the disease, individuals often experience progressive vision degeneration which can manifest as difficulty seeing in low light, loss of peripheral vision, and, eventually, total blindness. This visual impairment is a hallmark symptom of Batten Disease and is often one of the first noticeable signs for both the individual and their families.

In contrast, while hearing loss, seizures, and balance problems may occur as the disease progresses, they typically appear later in the disease course. The progression of Batten Disease involves a continuum of neurological decline, where the initial focus on vision loss is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention. Recognizing and understanding the primary onset symptoms of Batten Disease can aid in timely management and research into potential therapies.