Lafora disease
- Synonyms
- Epilepsy progressive myoclonic 2; Lafora body disorder; Myoclonic epilepsy of Lafora; Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy, Lafora Type
- Modes of inheritance
- Autosomal recessive inheritance (Orphanet)
Summary
Excerpted from the GeneReview:Progressive myoclonus epilepsy, Lafora type (also known as Lafora disease [LD]) is characterized by focal occipital seizures presenting as transient blindness or visual hallucinations and fragmentary, symmetric, or generalized myoclonus beginning in previously healthy individuals at age eight to 19 years (peak 14-16 years). Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, atypical absence seizures, atonic seizures, and focal seizures with impaired awareness may occur. The course of the disease is characterized by increasing frequency and intractability of seizures. Status epilepticus with any of the seizure types is common. Cognitive decline becomes apparent at or soon after the onset of seizures. Dysarthria and ataxia appear early while spasticity appears late. Emotional disturbance and confusion are common in the early stages of the disease and are followed by dementia. Most affected individuals die within ten years of onset, usually from status epilepticus or from complications related to nervous system degeneration.
- Full text of GeneReview (by section):
- Summary
- Diagnosis
- Clinical Characteristics
- Genetically Related (Allelic) Disorders
- Differential Diagnosis
- Management
- Genetic Counseling
- Resources
- Molecular Genetics
- References
- Chapter Notes
- Authors:
- Anna C Jansen
- Eva Andermann
- view full author information
Available tests
56 tests are in the database for this condition.
Check Related conditions for additional relevant tests.
Clinical tests (56 available)
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