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The leukodystrophies are rare diseases that affect the cells of the brain. Specifically, the diseases affect the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects nerve cells. Damage to this sheath slows down or blocks messages between the brain and the rest of the body. This leads to problems with

  • Movement
  • Speaking
  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Mental and physical development

Most of the leukodystrophies are genetic. They usually appear during infancy or childhood. They can be hard to detect early because children seem healthy at first. However, symptoms gradually get worse over time.

There are no cures for any of the leukodystrophies. Medicines, speech therapy and physical therapy might help with symptoms. Researchers are testing bone marrow transplantation as a treatment for some of the leukodystrophies.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Symptoms of Leukodystrophies

The following features are indicative of Leukodystrophies:
  • problems with movement
  • vision problems
  • problems with hearing
  • problems with balance
  • problems with memory
  • problems with behaviour
  • problems with ability to eat
  • problems with thought
It is possible that Leukodystrophies shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Leukodystrophies

The following are the most common causes of Leukodystrophies:
  • specific gene abnormalities

Risk Factors for Leukodystrophies

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Leukodystrophies:
  • preexisting indwelling central intravenous access
  • lack of seasonal vaccination
  • urinary catheter
  • family history

Prevention of Leukodystrophies

No, it is not possible to prevent Leukodystrophies.
  • genetic factors

Occurrence of Leukodystrophies

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Leukodystrophies cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Widely occurring between 500K - 1 Million cases

Common Age Group

Leukodystrophies can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Leukodystrophies can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Leukodystrophies

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Leukodystrophies:
  • Magnetic resonance imaging: To diagnose leukodystrophies of all types
  • Nerve conduction velocity: To distinguish between leukodystrophy and other demyelinating diseases

Doctor for Diagnosis of Leukodystrophies

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Leukodystrophies:
  • Neurologist
  • Endocrinologist

Complications of Leukodystrophies if untreated

Yes, Leukodystrophies causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Leukodystrophies is left untreated:
  • can be fatal

Procedures for Treatment of Leukodystrophies

The following procedures are used to treat Leukodystrophies:
  • Bone marrow transplantation: Diminishes the worsening effects of adrenoleukodystrophy

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Leukodystrophies

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Leukodystrophies:
  • Speech therapy: Helps in relieving the symptoms
  • Physical therapy: Provides relief from symptoms of leukodystrophy

Patient Support for Treatment of Leukodystrophies

The following actions may help Leukodystrophies patients:
  • Genetic counseling: Effective and helpful for affected individuals and their families
  • Awareness: By raising awareness improves the quality of care for the leukodystrophies

Time for Treatment of Leukodystrophies

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Leukodystrophies to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 3/07/2019.
This page provides information for Leukodystrophies.
Degenerative Nerve Diseases

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