Superficial siderosis

Overview

Old bleeding from surgery, injury, or a dural tear can leak iron slowly for years.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Hearing loss
• Trouble hearing

Less common

• Unsteady walking
• Trouble speaking

Look up a symptom: Trouble hearing · Trouble with balance or walking

When to get medical care

Causes

Slow bleeding.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• MRI:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Hearing aids
• Balance therapy

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• There is no known way to prevent it. Early checkups help find it sooner.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with past brain surgery or injury: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treating the source may slow it.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Can the bleeding source be fixed?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Superficial siderosis