Krabbe disease

Krabbe disease is an illness that affects the brain and nervous system. It happens when your body doesn't make a special substance called galactocerebrosidase (say: ga-lak-toe-sair-eh-bro-si-days). This substance helps to break down a fat called galactocerebroside (say: ga-lak-toe-sair-eh-bro-side).

Because your body can't break down this fat, it builds up in your brain and destroys the protective covering of your nerves. This causes problems with how your nerves work and can damage your brain.

Krabbe disease is rare, and most often begins in babies who are just a few months old. It can cause symptoms like weakness, delays in things like crawling and talking, difficulty controlling movements, and seizures (when your body shakes suddenly).

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Krabbe disease. Treatment involves trying to manage the symptoms as best as possible to help make patients as comfortable as possible.