What is Angelman syndrome?
Angelman syndrome is found in 1 of 10,000 births. It is a micro deletion syndrome caused by the mother that affects chromosome 15. This interferes with the fetal development and results in a series of changes. Prader Willi syndrome is the mirror image deletion syndrome caused by the father.
What are the signs and symptoms of Angelman syndrome?
Signs and symptoms of Angelman syndrome include:
• a small head (microcephaly);
• mental retardation;
• puppet-like movement;
• moments of unprovoked laughter;
• seizures; and
• mildly thinned grey matter layer on brain (mild cerebral atrophy).
How is Angelman syndrome treated?
As this is a genetic syndrome, there is no treatment available. These individuals will need a supportive environment and live in a specialized home that is equipped to provide the appropriate care.
