How to Recognize the Symptoms of Wilson's Disease

The symptoms of Wilson's Disease, a rare disorder that causes dangerous levels of copper to accumulate in the body, can be stealthy. Although copper buildup begins at birth, the disorder may not produce obvious signs until adolescence or later. If the disease advances undiagnosed, psychiatric or neurological symptoms may develop. Left untreated, Wilson's Disease is fatal. With early detection and treatment, however, the disorder can be managed and people can live normally. Read on to learn how to recognize the symptoms of Wilson's Disease.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to neurological or motor symptoms that may signal Wilson's Disease, such as tremors, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, rigidity or drooling.

• 2

  Observe posture and movements.Note any unusual positions while sitting or standing, uncommonly slow movements or repetitive motions. Clumsiness and loss of fine motor skills are also warning signs.

• 3

  Listen for any changes in speech, such as difficulty talking or very slow or slurred speech.

• 4

  Note behavior or personality changes that can result from copper accumulation in the brain. Look out for bizarre or inappropriate behavior, unwarranted fear or paranoia, unusual agitation, depression or suicidal tendencies.

• 5

  Watch for changes in eating habits and difficulty swallowing.

• 6

  Make an appointment with your doctor if your abdomen seems swollen or distended. This could indicate a liver problem associated with Wilson's Disease.

• 7

  Monitor skin or eye changes. Jaundice is indicated by yellowing of the eyes and skin, and is a result of abnormal liver function.

• 8

  Look at your eyes in a magnifying mirror. Wilson's Disease does not affect vision, but produces a rusty brown ring around the cornea, called the Kayser-Fleischer ring. This symptom can only be seen with the naked eye in the late stages of Wilson's Disease, but an ophthalmologist can recognize this abnormality earlier, with a special instrument called a slit lamp.