WHAT IS KURU DISEASE?
Kuru is a type of fatal brain disease that gets progressive with age. It is a form of subacute encephalopathy affecting the brain. This problem is caused by the accumulation of infectious proteins in the brain tissue.
Kuru is a rare condition that can also be called a neurological disorder.
HISTORY OF KURU DISEASE
Talking about the history of Kuru, it was discovered in the twentieth century. The disease is mentioned in four people of Guinea who were addressed by the name Kuru. According to some research, people living among these people saw that the dead people are eaten in food in the name of tradition and faith. This practice was stopped and this generation is completely extinct.
Until the 1930s, most of the world did not know that people lived in the high-altitude areas of Papua (a place in Australia).
When there was a survey by the Australian government, it was found that there were more than one lakh people living there. However, this is completely eradicated now
The Nobel Prize was awarded for the research of these diseases. The early symptoms of Kuru include headache and joint pain. Due to this, not much attention was paid to this disease, which later becomes the cause of serious problems. In today’s article, we are going to tell you about Kuru disease in detail.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF KURU DISEASE?
Kuru disease is derived from a group called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), also known as prion diseases. It mainly affects the cerebellum. This part is responsible for physical coordination and balance. Most infections or infectious agents are not caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. An abnormal protein called prion causes kuru. This abnormal protein builds up in the brain and interferes with brain function.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF KURU DISEASE?
Kuru disease is one of the most common neurological disorders, its symptoms are similar to those of Parkinson’s disease or stroke. These include
- Difficulty in walking.
- Problems with physical coordination.
- Difficulty swallowing food.
- Hallucinations
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Muscle twitching and tremors.
- Inability to understand objects.
- Never laugh or cry.
STAGES OF KURU DISEASE
Kuru occurs in three phases. First of all, you have to face headaches and joint pain. In addition, there may be problems with physical control.
In the second stage, the person is unable to walk properly and shivering is experienced in the body.
In the third stage, the person faces difficulty in swallowing while eating anything. There is a risk of some other health problem. According to the study, a person dies within a year due to these symptoms. In some cases, many people die due to pneumonia.
Diagnosis of Kuru disease
The following tests can be done to diagnose kuru disease which includes neurological tests and electrodiagnostic tests.
Neurological tests –
A neurological test is done to diagnose Kuru’s disease. These include some comprehensive medical tests.
- For example, the history of the disease.
- Neurological function test.
Blood test
Blood tests are done to accurately detect thyroid, folic acid levels, and liver and kidney function in a person.
Electrodiagnostic test –
ECG is used to check the electrical activity in a person’s brain. Depending on the condition of the person, the doctor may recommend other tests such as MRI scans and brain scans.
TREATMENT FOR KURU DISEASE
There is no treatment available for Kuru disease yet. Although physicians can easily eliminate the effects caused by this disorder, even after several attempts, prion protein-contaminated brain can be infectious.
PREVENTION OF KURU DISEASE
As mentioned earlier, kuru is an exceptionally rare condition. It only affects the brain of people who are infected or have ingested tissue and come into contact with infected wounds, etc. However, many steps have been taken in the government and society of many countries to prevent this disease so that people can become aware of this disease. According to some research, Kuru disease is no longer visible and it is completely eradicated.
The time between the onset of infection and symptoms of Kuru disease can be up to 30 years. According to neurologists, Kuru disease is a kind of brain disorder. If any kind of problem or signs are seen in the person’s brain, then the doctor should be contacted.
If you want to get more information and treatment about Kuru disease, then you can contact our Neurologist.
Call us on 972-210-0033 to book an appointment with our specialists, and begin living your life pain-free.