Diagnosis
Most diagnosis occurs in the early years of life around 2 to 6 years old. There have been cases in which onset and diagnosis have occurred late into adulthood. Those with onset at this time have different signs, particularly the lack of cognitive deterioration. Overall, detection of adult forms of VWM is difficult as MRI was not a common tool when they were diagnosed. Common signs to look for include chronic progressive neurological deterioration with cerebellar ataxia, spasticity, mental decline, decline of vision, mild epilepsy, rapid deterioration and fibrile infections following head trauma or fright, lose of motor functions, irritability, vomiting, and even coma. Those who go into coma, if they do come out usually die within a few years. The diagnosis can be difficult if the physician does not take an MRI.
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