Signs & Symptoms of Wilson's Disease

Wilson's disease is a condition that a person is born with in which copper builds up in the liver instead of being flushed out with the patient's stool. This copper overload can eventually spill out into the blood stream and contaminate the body, causing moderate to even life-threatening problems if not diagnosed and treated properly. Knowing the symptoms of Wilson's disease will help a person identify the problem and have it treated as soon as possible.

Abdominal Symptoms

• The noticeable onset of Wilson's disease usually happens after 4 years of age and is often first indicated by the presence of abdominal pain, distention and vomiting. While this pain and bloating, along with vomiting, can indicate much less serious problems, the appearance of jaundice with these symptoms may prompt testing by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. (Jaundice is the buildup of bilirubin in the body that causes a yellow appearance on the skin and in the whites of a person's eyes.)

Muscles

• Abnormal muscle activity and fatigue is a sign of Wilson's disease. The copper's effect on the nervous system and muscles can cause a loss of muscle control, abnormal movement and shaking. A person with Wilson's may be clumsy, and have difficulty swallowing or even walking. The patient may begin drooling as well. The muscles could be affected to the point that a person cannot speak normally.

Mind

• The mental effects of Wilson's disease can range from mild to extreme, depending on the severity of the case and the amount of time that passes before treatment. Poor cognitive functioning is an expected symptom of the condition. Memory loss could follow, as could the appearance of erratic or unpredictable behavior.
  Depression may occur is some cases of Wilson's disease, and if the condition has been present in other family members, an onset of depression should be considered enough reason to get tested.

Advanced Symptoms

• If Wilson's disease goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to far more serious health risks---including death. The damage caused by the presence of too much copper throughout the body can permanently affect many essential organs. Cirrhosis of the liver, liver necrosis, dementia, brain damage and kidney failure are among the advanced symptoms of the disease.
  Once advanced symptoms are present, the disease can cause more immediate risk.If caught before irreversible damage is done, however, many people Wilson's disease can live a normal, healthy life with medication and diet restrictions.