Late Infantile and Juvenile Onset Krabbe Disease
Krabbe disease can manifest in two different forms – late infantile onset and juvenile onset. In the late infantile onset, symptoms typically appear between 13 and 36 months of age. Children affected by this form of the disease may experience an abnormal gait, changes in vision, and irritability. As the condition progresses, they may also develop episodes of apnea, seizures, and difficulties in regulating their body temperature.
In the case of juvenile-onset Krabbe disease, early symptoms may include tremors, gait disturbances, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The rate at which the disease progresses can vary, but it is always debilitating for those affected.
Late-Onset Krabbe Disease
Late-onset Krabbe disease is a form of the condition that manifests symptoms in late childhood or early adolescence. The initial signs of this type of Krabbe disease include a burning numbness in the extremities, an unsteady gait, seizures, hearing and vision loss, and spasticity. While most individuals with late-onset Krabbe disease experience both cognitive and physical decline, there are some cases where only physical symptoms are present, and mental function remains intact.