Self‐inflicted injury in a case of Hallervorden‐Spatz disease

Hallervorden‐Spatz disease (HSD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormally high deposits of iron in the brain. This report describes a child with HSD who presented with self‐inflicted ulceration of the lip and tongue, which was initiated during periods of intense oro‐facial spasms. Other findings included dental caries and trauma to the primary incisors. Comprehensive dental care was carried out under general anaesthesia. The self‐mutilation of the oro‐facial mucosa was eliminated by placement of upper and lower soft resin bite guards.