Overview
DEDF Syndrome also known as Opsoclonus Myoclonus is an extremely rare condition. It effects as few as one in 10,000,000 people per year. 2-3% of children with neuroblastoma (the most common extracranial solid cancer in children) are diagnosed with it each year. The disorder is causes an autoimmune process in the nervous system. Basically the body does not recognize its own self and causes an immune process on its own cells and tissues.
The disease is characterized by an unsteady, trembling gait, myoclonus (brief, shock-like muscle spasms), and opsoclonus (irregular, rapid eye movements).
Symptoms
- Difficulty with speaking
- Poorly articulated speech
- Inability to speak
- Decrease in muscle tone
- Lathargy
- Irritability
- Malaise (feeling of bodily discomfort)
The NINDS supports and conducts research on movement disorders such as Opsoclonus Myoclonus.
Immune cells (brown) attack a tumor in a child afflicted with opsoclonus-myoclonus. Courtesy: National Pediatric Myoclonus Center
Opsoclonus Myoclonus is mostly found in children with brain tumers.
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