How To Effectively Diagnose And Treat Leukodystrophy

Cognitive Tests

Cognitive tests and neuropsychological testing may be utilized on a patient suspected of having leukodystrophy to help their physician make an accurate diagnosis. Cognitive testing involves the evaluation of an individual's ability to concentrate and their attention span. These tests also evaluate the patient's ability to understand, remember, learn, and think. Testing an individual's memory and components of motor function like walking and coordination may be part of the neuropsychological testing. Cognitive tests help determine a patient's perception and how well they absorb what they read or see. These tests include components that show a physician how well the patient can problem solve and make decisions. Verbal and speech comprehension abilities may also be tested during this type of evaluation. This process of testing can be done verbally and on paper, or it may be done through an electronic method, like on a computer. Because leukodystrophies are diseases characterized by nerve damage, cognitive tests can reveal information about how the nerve damage is affecting the patient's ability to concentrate, remember, reason, and solve problems.

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Medications

Although there is no cure for any type of leukodystrophy, there are certain medications that may help improve a patient's quality of life and stop the progression of their disease. Many types of leukodystrophy include a component of metabolic storage malfunction, which can be mediated with medications to replace the missing enzyme in patients directly. However, this form of medication may not be available at this time in all regions. Certain symptoms that affect a patient's daily function and activity may be able to be managed with the use of certain medications. Baclofen is a medication used in leukodystrophy to help decrease the frequency of spasticity and seizure activity. Other medications may be used to treat common complications, such as medications that help an individual sleep, medication to soothe digestive symptoms such as heartburn and nausea, and medications to help mediate breathing difficulties.

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