Tay-Sachs disease is a rare disorder passed from parents to child. It's caused by the absence of an enzyme that helps break down fatty substances. These fatty substances, called gangliosides, build up to toxic levels in the child's brain and affect the function of the nerve cells. As the disease progresses, the child loses muscle control. Eventually, this leads to blindness, paralysis and death.
If you have a family history of Tay-Sachs disease or if you're a member of a high-risk group and plan to have children, doctors strongly recommend genetic testing and genetic counseling.
In the most common form, an infant usually begins showing symptoms by about 6 months of age. Signs and symptoms of Tay-Sachs disease can include the following:
- Loss of motor skills, including turning over, crawling and sitting up
- Exaggerated reactions when the baby hears loud noises
- Seizures
- Vision and hearing loss
- "Cherry-red" spots in the eyes
- Muscle weakness
- Movement problems
Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder that is passed from parents to their children. It occurs when a child inherits the gene from both parents.
Risk factors for Tay-Sachs disease include having ancestors from:
- Eastern and Central European Jewish communities (Ashkenazi Jews)
- Certain French Canadian communities in Quebec
- Old Order Amish community in Pennsylvania
- Cajun community of Louisiana
Consultation
Book An Appointment
Courier your medicine
Give us a Call