Wilson's Disease

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Nothing can be done to prevent Wilson's disease in someone who has already been born. Genetic testing can determine whether someone has the gene for Wilson's disease. Genetic counseling is useful for people with a family history of the disease.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

If untreated, Wilson's disease causes death. A delay in treatment can cause permanent brain damage, hepatitis, or cirrhosis. If treatment is started early and continued for life, there may be no long-term effects.

What are the risks to others?

Wilson's disease is not contagious. It is an autosomal recessive disorder. That means the disease occurs in people who get the defective gene from both parents. Parents who have had a child with Wilson's disease are at risk for having other affected children.