Overview
CLIPPERS stands for Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation with Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids. It is a rare inflammatory disorder that affects the brain, particularly a region called the pons (part of the brainstem) and surrounding areas. In CLIPPERS, white blood cells (lymphocytes) gather around small blood vessels in the brain, causing inflammation that leads to a variety of neurological symptoms. The most common symptoms include problems with coordination and balance (ataxia), double vision, facial numbness or tingling, difficulty speaking clearly, and dizziness. Some patients also experience difficulty swallowing, altered sensation in the limbs, and cognitive changes. The hallmark of this condition is a distinctive pattern seen on brain MRI scans — small, pepper-like spots of enhancement clustered in the pons and cerebellum. CLIPPERS responds well to corticosteroid treatment, which is the cornerstone of therapy. Most patients experience significant improvement when treated with steroids such as high-dose methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone. However, symptoms often return when steroids are reduced or stopped, so many patients require long-term immunosuppressive therapy. The disease was first described in 2010, and because it is so recently recognized, much is still being learned about its long-term course and optimal management. It is not currently considered a genetic disease, and its exact cause remains unknown.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Problems with balance and coordination (ataxia)Double visionFacial numbness or tinglingDizziness or vertigoSlurred or unclear speechDifficulty swallowingAbnormal eye movements (nystagmus)Tingling or numbness in arms or legsGait unsteadiness or difficulty walkingTremorHearing changesCognitive difficulties or brain fogFacial weaknessHeadachesFatigue
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for CLIPPERS.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for CLIPPERS at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to CLIPPERS.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the best long-term treatment plan to minimize steroid side effects?,How often will I need MRI scans to monitor my condition?,What are the warning signs that my disease is relapsing or getting worse?,Are there steroid-sparing medications that might work for me?,How can we be sure this is CLIPPERS and not another condition like lymphoma?,Should I see a neuroimmunologist or go to a specialized center?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could participate in?
Common questions about CLIPPERS
What is CLIPPERS?
CLIPPERS stands for Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation with Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids. It is a rare inflammatory disorder that affects the brain, particularly a region called the pons (part of the brainstem) and surrounding areas. In CLIPPERS, white blood cells (lymphocytes) gather around small blood vessels in the brain, causing inflammation that leads to a variety of neurological symptoms. The most common symptoms include problems with coordination and balance (ataxia), double vision, facial numbness or tingling, difficulty speaking clearly, and dizziness. Some p
How is CLIPPERS inherited?
CLIPPERS follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does CLIPPERS typically begin?
Typical onset of CLIPPERS is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat CLIPPERS?
1 specialists and care centers treating CLIPPERS are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.