Overview of Wilsons Disease

This health condition is caused by the presence of too much copper in the liver. When the copper overflows, it is released and ends up in the other organs of the body including the eyes, the brain and kidneys. Wilson disease is also known as hepatolenticular degeneration. Liver Complications The accumulation of copper may start at birth, but it will manifest only during the adolescent stage. In all cases, the patients have copper in the liver. This can result in hepatitis, acute or chronic. Due to cirrhosis, the liver is no longer able to function and becomes inflamed. If not treated, it will result in complete liver failure. Other Symptoms Aside from affecting the liver, there may be eye and skin yellowing (jaundice). The stomach may swell up. There is weight loss similar to sufferers of anorexia. Other signs are accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and spleen enlargement. The liver will also be enlarged. Nervous System If the disease symptoms appear at a young age, there is a greater chance of the liver being damaged. The majority of patients have symptoms beginning at age 20. The signs of the illness are linked to the nervous system. However, the age varies greatly. The indicators are numerous. Some of the most common signs are loss of motor skills. There is difficulty in walking (ataxia). The movement becomes clumsy and there are muscle contractions. Other signs are slow movement of the jaw, lips and tongue. There is trembling of the arms, the head and the legs. The trembling may start in one leg or arm. Eventually this will spread to both arms and legs. Dysarthria (slowed or slurred speech) will also set in. Mental and Emotional Problems The disease may also cause emotional and mental anguish. It can lead to hysteria, neurotic anxiety, mood swings and thoughts of suicide. In advanced cases, dementia may set in. Apart from the loss of cognitive and intellectual ability, there is also the danger of psychosis. Treatment The disease can be treated. The important thing is to get help as soon as the symptoms manifest. Delays in treatment will cause damage. Some of the medications used for fighting the disease are trientine and penicillamine. There are other medications available. These treatments all do the same thing: they bind the copper and remove it from the body. However you should consult a doctor before taking any drugs. Do not self medicate because the results could be unpredictable.