Adrenoleukodystrophy
Definition
Adrenoleukodystrophy describes several closely related inherited disorders that disrupt the breakdown (metabolism) of certain fats (very-long-chain fatty acids).
Symptoms
Childhood cerebral type:
- Changes in muscle tone, especially muscle spasms and spasticity
- Crossed eyes (strabismus)
- Decreased understanding of verbal communication (aphasia)
- Deterioration of handwriting
- Difficulty at school
- Difficulty understanding spoken material
- Hearing loss
- Hyperactivity
- Worsening nervous system deterioration
- Coma
- Decreased fine motor control
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Swallowing difficulties
- Visual impairment or blindness
- Adrenomyelopathy:
- Difficulty controlling urination
- Possible worsening muscle weakness or leg stiffness
- Problems with thinking speed and visual memory
Adrenal gland failure (Addison type):
- Coma
- Decreased appetite
- Increased skin color (pigmentation)
- Loss of weight, muscle mass (wasting)
- Muscle weakness
- Vomiting
