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Canavan disease

Alternative Names:
Spongy degeneration of the brain; Aspartoacylase deficiency

Treatment:

Treatment aims to ease the symptoms of the disease. There is no specific treatment.



Support Groups:

Additional information and resources are available from:

Canavan Foundation

www.canavanfoundation.org

877-4-CANAVAN



Expectations (prognosis):

With Canavan disease, the central nervous system degenerates, and progressive disability is likely. Death usually occurs in the first 1 to 2 decades of life.



Complications:

This is often a fatal disorder and includes severe disabilities such as mental retardation, blindness, and inability to walk.



Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your child has any symptoms of Canavan disease.




Review Date: 6/22/2004
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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