Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive disorder that causes the white matter of the brain to turn into a spongy tissue with minuscule fluid sacks. The disease usually results in blindness, loss of muscle control and eventually death, usually before adolescence.NTSAD: What is Canavan Disease?
Canavan disease can occur in any ethnic background, but is most frequently found in Eastern European Jewish ancestry. Canavan disease is genetically inherited; therefore, both parents need to be carriers. If both the mother and father carry the disorder, there is a 25 percent chance their child will get the disease.NINDS: Canavan Disease
Early Symptoms
- Developmental delay
- Head enlargement
- Poor head control
- Loss of muscle tone
- Feeding problems
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information on Canavan disease.
References
Fast Facts
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Alternate name
Aspartoacylase deficiency
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Cause
Deficiency of aspartoacylase
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Mental functioning and motor skills deteriorate as child agesNINDS: Canavan Disease
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Most die in infancy and rarely make it to adolescenceNINDS: Canavan Disease
