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Leukodystrophy refers to progressive degeneration of the white matter of the brain due to imperfect growth or development of the myelin sheath, the fatty covering that acts as an insulator around nerve fiber. Myelin, which lends its color to the white matter of the brain, is a complex substance made up of at least ten different chemicals. The leukodystrophies are a group of disorders that are caused by genetic defects in how myelin produces or metabolizes these chemicals. Each of the leukodystrophies is the result of a defect in the gene that controls one (and only one) of the chemicals.

Types


Specific leukodystrophies include (ICD-10 codes are provided where available):

How do you get leukodystrophy?


Leukodystrophies are mostly inherited disorders, meaning that it is passed on from parent to child. They may be inherited in a recessive, dominant, or X-linked manner, depending on the type of leukodystrophy. The individual pages on each leukodystrophy will describe the particular pattern of inheritance for that disease. There is also a separate fact sheet describing the different genetic inheritance patterns available from the United Leukodystrophy Foundation.

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Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome - News, descriptions, contacts, and other information concerning this leukodystrophy.
Meta Description: [ Website about Aicard-Goutières syndrome for families ! ]

Alexander Disease - Information sheet compiled by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Meta Description: [ Alexander Disease information sheet compiled by NINDS. ]

Devoted to Brianna - Medical experiences and terminology helpful for parents to understand and cope with genetic disorders. One little girl's story, concerning Canavan Leukodystrophy offers help and hope to many.

Dylan Samuel Freeman - Dylan has a very rare neurological disorder, Alexanders disease (Leukodystrophy). His story, his progress, and photographs.

Family Village / Library / Leukodystrophy - Resources on Adrenoleukodystrophy, Alexander Disease, Canavan Disease, Krabbes Disease, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, and Refsum's Disease.

Joe Johnson and the Call Again Soon BBS - Directed at making life better for people affected by Leukodystrophy and those who know and love them.

Leukodystrophy - CHORUS document on the different types of Leukodystrophy. A little technical.
Meta Description: [ a CHORUS notecard document about leukodystrophy ]

Leukodystrophy - A short information sheet compiled by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Meta Description: [ Leukodystrophy information sheet compiled by NINDS. ]

MCW HealthLink - Alexander Disease - Information sheet from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Meta Description: [ Alexander disease is a rare, genetic, degenerative disorder of the nervous system. ]

Undiagnosed Leukodystrophy - Lauren's homepage, a six year old from Melbourne, Australia with an as yet undiagnosed neurological condition thought to be genetic.

United Leukodystrophy Foundation - Nonprofit, voluntary health organization dedicated to providing patients and their families with information about their disease and assistance in their health.
Meta Description: [ United Leukodystrophy Foundation: The leukodystrophies are = genetically determined progressive disorders that affect the brain, = spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The term leukodystrophy derives from = the Greek words "leuko" meaning white and referrin ]

Leukodystrophy related videos
http://www.elfe-asso.fr Première apparition de l'association ELFE ... Association ELFE leucodystrophie metachromatique ...
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