Tay-Sachs disease (patient information): Difference between revisions
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Even with the best of care, children with Tay-Sachs disease usually die by age 4, from recurring infection. | |||
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Revision as of 12:51, 15 July 2009
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What is Tay-Sachs disease?
Tay-Sachs disease is a rare, inherited disorder. It causes too much of a fatty substance to build up in tissues and nerve cells of the brain. This buildup destroys the nerve cells, causing mental and physical problems.
Infants with Tay-Sachs disease appear to develop normally for the first few months of life. Then, as nerve cells become distended with fatty material, mental and physical abilities deteriorate. The child becomes blind, deaf, and unable to swallow. Muscles begin to atrophy and paralysis sets in. Even with the best of care, children with Tay-Sachs disease usually die by age 4.
Tay-Sachs is most common in Eastern European Ashkenazi Jews. A blood test can determine if you carry or have the disease. There is no cure. Medicines and good nutrition can help some symptoms. Some children need feeding tubes.
How do I know if I have yourdisease and what are the symptoms of yourdisease?
Who is at risk for yourdisease?
How to know you have yourdisease?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Presently there is no treatment for Tay-Sachs disease. Anticonvulsant medicine may initially control seizures. Other supportive treatment includes proper nutrition and hydration and techniques to keep the airway open. Children may eventually need a feeding tube.
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for yourdisease
Directions to Hospitals Treating Tay-Sachs disease
Prevention of yourdisease
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Even with the best of care, children with Tay-Sachs disease usually die by age 4, from recurring infection.