KevinDailyStory.com – Neurological symptoms are the most common signs of Wilson’s Disease. Patients may experience involuntary movements, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, and abdominal swelling. Other unusual symptoms include tremors, clumsiness, and speech problems. Coughing due to unconscious breathing muscle contractions may be an additional sign. However, not all patients with Wilson’s Disease have these symptoms. If you suspect you have the disease, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Avoid high copper foods
During the first year of treatment, patients with the disease must avoid foods high in copper. These foods include chocolate, mushrooms, oysters, and liver. Often, these foods are harmful for your health, but early treatment can help to delay or prevent the progression of the disease. Some medications may take six months to work and should be continued even if the copper levels are normal. Ultimately, treatment for Wilson’s disease is lifelong.
This disease is more commonly associated with the liver, eyes and nervous system
As the symptoms of Wilson’s disease can be unpredictable, it is important to seek a medical diagnosis as early as possible. While the disease can affect a variety of organs, it is more commonly associated with the liver, eyes, and nervous system. Other symptoms may be related to other illnesses, but are usually a part of the disease. Sometimes, individuals with Wilson’s disease do not show any symptoms, but they may have other problems that may be related to the liver.
All three treatments for Wilson’s disease have been introduced by individual researchers. The treatment of penicillamine was developed by the Oxford team of Peters, Stocken, and Thompson. Another therapy, zinc sulphate, was discovered by Schouwink. The use of zinc salts blocked the absorption of copper in the kidneys. The treatments of Wilson’s disease are largely determined by the individual patient’s symptoms and response to them.
Neurologic signs and the presence of a Kayser-Fleischer ring suggest Wilson’s disease
A patient with liver steatofibrosis was found to have symptoms of Wilson’s disease. The patient also had neurological symptoms. Objective findings of the disease were inconsistent. The biochemical blood tests showed slightly increased gamma glutamyl-transferase and alaninaminotransferase activity. Haemocoagulation and blood count were both within normal ranges. The neurological symptoms and the presence of the Kayser-Fleischer ring suggested Wilson’s disease.
Although the phenotype of patients with WD remains unknown, it is known that it affects older men more than women. The underlying liver disease in patients with WD may lead to cirrhosis. However, both cirrhosis and liver failure are treatable through medicines, surgery, and medical procedures. If you suspect that you have WD, consult your physician immediately. They can prescribe you a medication to help you manage the symptoms of the condition.
Blood tests may be needed to detect elevated copper and ceruloplasmin levels
Diagnosis of Wilson’s disease begins with a thorough history and physical exam. Blood tests may be needed to detect elevated levels of copper and ceruloplasmin, as well as to determine how much of this mineral is excreted through urine. Further testing may include a liver biopsy. It may also be necessary to perform genetic tests to identify mutated genes in the ATP7B gene. This will confirm if the disease is the cause of the enlarged liver.
In addition to changing diet, doctors may also recommend medications for Wilson’s disease. Zinc is a common medication for the disease. It helps the liver remove copper, thus preventing it from accumulating in the body. If the disease is detected early, treatment may stop the disease’s progression and improve symptoms. Although it’s rare, if properly diagnosed, treatment can help patients achieve good health. If diagnosed early, there are treatment options available that can improve the symptoms and prevent it from progressing to liver failure and neurological damage.
This disease is passed down from both parents and must be handled properly
Symptoms of Wilson’s disease include poor vision, speech, swallowing, and physical coordination. A few patients may also experience mood and behavioral changes. Kayser-Fleischer rings (a golden brown discoloration of the eye) are a common sign of the disease, while sunflower cataracts are a rare but serious complication. This disease is inherited from both parents and must be treated properly. The disease is characterized by a mutation in the ATP7B gene, which codes for copper transport.
Affected individuals must inherit two copies of a faulty gene from each parent to be affected. People with just one of the faulty gene don’t have the disease. However, those with a single gene may be carriers. If both parents are carriers, their children will inherit the disease and may develop symptoms at any age. If the disease is detected early, however, treatment can prolong the life of affected individuals. This disease may cause death.
