What is Sturge-Weber Syndrome?
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare vascular disorder characterized by the association of a facial birthmark called a port-wine birthmark, abnormal blood vessels in the brain, and eye abnormalities such as glaucoma.
Who discovered Sturge-Weber Syndrome?
The Kennedy Krieger Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The groundbreaking identification of the gene that causes Sturge-Weber syndrome was discovered at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in 2013 by Dr. Anne Comi and her collaborators.
Is Sturge-Weber a neurological condition?
Sturge-Weber syndrome is a neurological disorder indicated at birth by a port-wine stain birthmark on the forehead and upper eyelid of one side of the face.
What is the prognosis for Sturge-Weber syndrome?
The prognosis of SWS is extremely variable. Bilateral brain involvement and the early onset (less than 1 year of age) of hard to control seizures predict for worse outcome. Some individuals are severely impaired in terms of their intelligence, mobility, vision, and seizures.
Is Sturge-Weber a disability?
People with Sturge-Weber syndrome have varying levels of cognitive function, from normal intelligence to intellectual disability. Some individuals have learning disabilities with problems focusing similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Can Sturge-Weber be cured?
Sturge-Weber is a lifelong condition that can’t be cured. However, treatment of symptoms can help prevent complications and improve your child’s quality of life. Seizures: In many cases, seizures can be controlled with anti-seizure medications.
Is Sturge-Weber syndrome life threatening?
Sturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital disorder that affects the skin, the neurological system, and sometimes the eyes. There is no cure, but it is not fatal. Other names include encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, encephalofacial angiomatosis, or Sturge-Weber-Dimitri syndrome.
Does Sturge-Weber go away?
Sturge-Weber syndrome treatment varies depending on your specific symptoms. For example, laser skin resurfacing may lighten or remove the port-wine birthmark. Port-wine birthmarks are permanent. They do not go away without treatments.
What is an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)?
You can change your cookie settings at any time using our cookies page. An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is where your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed.
What are the complications of an underactive thyroid?
Complications of an underactive thyroid An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed.
How can I prevent an underactive thyroid?
An underactive thyroid can often be successfully treated by taking daily hormone tablets to replace the hormones your thyroid isn’t making. There’s no way of preventing an underactive thyroid. Most cases are caused either by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and damaging it,…
Why is it important to diagnose an underactive thyroid?
Diagnosing an underactive thyroid. It’s very important that an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is diagnosed as soon as possible. Low levels of thyroid-producing hormones, such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), can change the way the body processes fat.