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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffAngelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes developmental disabilities and neurological problems, such as difficulty speaking, balancing and walking and, in some cases, seizures. Frequent smiles and outbursts of laughter are common for people with Angelman syndrome, and many have happy, excitable personalities.
Angelman syndrome usually isn't detected until parents begin to notice developmental delays when a baby is about 6 to 12 months old. Seizures often begin when a child is between 2 and 3 years old.
People with Angelman syndrome tend to live a normal life span, but they may become less excitable with age. Other signs and symptoms remain. Treatment for Angelman syndrome focuses on managing the child's medical and developmental problems.
- NINDS Angelman syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/angelman/angelman.htm. Accessed Sept. 22, 2011.
- Angelman syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=angelmansyndrome. Accessed Sept. 22, 2011.
- Dagli AI, et al. Angelman syndrome. In: Pagon RA, et al. GeneReviews. Seattle, Wash.: University of Washington; 2011. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1144/?report=printable. Accessed Sept. 23, 2011.
- Diagnostic testing. Angelman Syndrome Foundation. http://www.angelman.org/healthcare-professionals/diagnostic-testing/. Accessed Sept. 22, 2011.
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