Pronounced: Kroytz-felt Jay-kob
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, fatal, degenerative brain disorder characterized by rapidly progressive dementia and neuromuscular problems.
There are four types of CJD:
There has been a great deal of scientific research and debate about the cause of CJD. Today, it is generally believed that most noninherited cases are caused by infectious proteins called prions. Prions can transform normal protein molecules into abnormal, disease-causing molecules.
These factors increase your chance of developing CJD. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
Initially, there are no symptoms. As CJD progresses, symptoms that may occur include:
Depending on the type of CJD, the disease may last from 3-36 months, or occasionally longer, and is almost always fatal.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
CJD is a difficult disease to diagnose. There is no single test for detection. The following tests may be used to help make a diagnosis:
RESOURCES:
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc.
http://www.cjdfoundation.org/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
World Health Organization
http://www.who.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
References:
Churg-Strauss syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated December 12, 2007. Accessed February 27, 2008.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc. website. Available at: http://www.cjdfoundation.org .
Kasper DL, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 16th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005.
Roos RP. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In: Gilman S, ed. MedLink Neurology. San Diego, CA: MedLink Corporation. Medline website. Available at: http://www.medlink.com . Accessed February 23, 2008.
Last reviewed January 2009 by J. Thomas Megerian, MD, PhD, FAAP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.