Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis and Associated Sleep Abnormalities

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in children characterized by seizures, blindness, ataxia, myoclonia and loss of cognition. There are 12 clinical types identified with a concurrent genetic abnormality. The diagnosis is determined by gene testing and skin biopsy findings although genetic testing has supplanted skin biopsy in most cases. Numberous studies have confirmed the presence of sleep disorder in patients with NCL but these cases were documented over a decade ago. The investigators would like to study the prevalence of sleep disorders in this group of patients. The investigators will distribute a Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) to the family of the patient to complete and provide a information regarding the patient's sleep. In addition to the validated sleep questionnaire a separate demographic questionnaire will be given to the family to identify the type of NCL, presence or absence of blindness, presence or absence of seizures, interventions tried to treat sleep disturbance. The last questions of the study are asking for the presence or absence of Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms.

Inclusion criteria

• patient with a known diagnosis of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) by DNA or electron microscopy studies Family member completing study must be able to read and understand the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Demographic questions

Exclusion criteria

• patient without a confirmed diagnosis of NCL Family member completing the study is unable to read and understand the questionnaires