Wilson's disease is a rare disorder that leads to the accumulation of copper in the brain, liver, and other vital organs. Most patients are diagnosed with this disease between the ages of 5 and 35, but it can affect people of all ages.
Copper is an important mineral that has a role in the development of healthy bones, nerves, collagen, and the skin pigment melanin. Generally, copper is taken in from the food, while an excess of it is excreted in the form of bile. In patients with Wilson's disease, copper is not eliminated adequately and accumulates in the vital organs of the body to a life-threatening level. If diagnosed early, the disease is treatable and many people with the disease get a chance to live normal and fulfilled lives.
Wilson's disease is an inherited disorder, and even though it is present at birth, its signs and symptoms do not show until later in life when the copper starts to accumulate in the liver, brain, and other organs. The signs and symptoms depend on the body parts involved in the disease.
The signs and symptoms of Wilson's disease include tiredness, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, golden-brown discoloration of the eyes, build-up of fluid in the abdomen or legs, difficulties with speech or swallowing, loss of physical coordination, and muscle stiffness.
Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder which means that you must inherit one copy of the faulty gene from each of your parents to develop the disease. If a person receives only one defective gene, he will not get the disease himself but will be a carrier to pass the gene to the offspring.
If you or your loved ones exhibit a combination of the symptoms mentioned above, you must get an appointment with a doctor and get yourself evaluated for the disease.
The signs and symptoms of Wilson's disease are quite similar to those of other liver disorders. Therefore, diagnosing it clinically is challenging. A number of diagnostic tests and the knowledge of symptoms need to be used to make the diagnosis. Investigations to diagnose Wilson's disease include blood and urine tests, eye examinations, and genetic testing.
Certain medications that bind with copper and facilitate its excretion are used to treat Wilson's disease. The treatment is aimed to prevent the build-up of copper again. A liver transplant may be necessary if the liver has been severely damaged. The diseased liver will be replaced by a healthy one from a donor.
If you are looking for Doctors for Wilson's Disease in Navi Mumbai, you can visit the Department of Neurosciences at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai. The department offers international standard treatment for a wide range of neurological diseases and disorders. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technology, comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services are provided for all relevant diseases.
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