Angelman Syndrome Information Page

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Angelman Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?

What is Angelman Syndrome?
Angelman syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by severe congenital mental retardation, unusual facial appearance, and muscular abnormalities. Symptoms of Angelman syndrome include unstable jerky gait, hand flapping, unusually happy demeanor, developmental delay, lack of or diminished speech, and microcephaly (small head). Epilepsy may develop in the early years of life, however it may decrease with age. Patients may also have balance problems.

Is there any treatment?
There is no standard course of treatment for Angelman syndrome. Physical therapy and adaptive devices may help patients with jerky gait. Early language evaluation and intervention is often recommended. Anticonvulsant medications may be prescribed for epilepsy.

What is the prognosis?
Most individuals with Angelman syndrome will have mental delay, severe speech limitations, and some type of gait abnormality. Patients may have improvement of symptoms with therapy.

Return to top