Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disease that causes developmental and nervous system problems, mostly in girls. It is related to autism spectrum disorder.
How it shows up
Babies with Rett syndrome seem to grow and develop normally at first. Then, between 3 months and 3 years of age, they stop developing and even lose skills. Symptoms include:
- loss of speech;
- loss of hand movements such as grasping;
- compulsive movements such as hand wringing;
- balance problems;
- breathing problems;
- behavior problems;
- learning problems or intellectual disability.
Treatment and outlook
There is no cure, but some symptoms can be treated with medicines, surgery, and physical and speech therapy. Most people with Rett syndrome live into middle age and beyond, usually needing care throughout their lives.
Sources
Based on "Rett Syndrome," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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