Variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease
Overview
Causes
It is believed that vCJD is caused by proteins called prions. Prions are normal proteins in the body. These prions may fold up in a way that is not normal. This can change them into the protein that causes the illness. The build up of these prions may be linked to from vCJD.
The Nervous System |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
After you are exposed, it can take up to 20 years until you feel sick. Symptoms can follow these three phases:
- Early phase (0 to 6 months)—mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety , withdrawal, memory problems, and difficulty pronouncing words
- Middle phase—neurological problems, such as problems with walking and coordination, muscle jerks and stiffness, and a hard time speaking
- Late phase—inability to talk or move
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may have:
- Blood tests
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) to record the electrical activity of the brain
- Lumbar puncture —to test the fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord
- Brain biopsy
- Tonsillar biopsy
Pictures may be taken with:
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- SPECT scan
In many cases, a finding is not reached until an autopsy is done after death.
Treatments
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Human Mad Cow Disease; vCJD)
RESOURCES
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc. http://www.cjdfoundation.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
References
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Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114980/Creutzfeldt-Jakob-disease . Updated May 1, 2015. Accessed June 25, 2018.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cjd/detail%5Fcjd.htm. Updated May 9, 2018. Accessed June 25, 2018.
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Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/prions/vcjd/index.html. Updated February 6, 2015. Accessed June 25, 2018.
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