Novel GFAP Variant in Adult-onset Alexander Disease With Progressive Ataxia and Palatal Tremor

Introduction: Alexander disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by variants in the glial fibrillary acidic protein gene (GFAP). This disorder can develop as an infantile, juvenile or adult-onset form and is characterized by several clinical features, including macrocephaly, seizures, ataxia, and bulbar/pseudobulbar signs. While the majority of these patients have the more progressive infantile form which causes severe leukodystrophy and early death; the less common adult form is more variable (ie, onset age, symptoms), with bulbar dysfunction as the primary feature. Case Report: In our investigation, we describe a patient with progressive neuromuscular issues including dyspnea, dysphagia, dysarthria and progressive ataxia with palatal tremor. Conclusions: Through genetic testing, we determined that our patient has a novel variant in GFAP typical of Alexander disease.