Angelman syndrome

Managing Angelman syndrome

Some of the symptoms of Angelman syndrome can be difficult to manage, and you'relikely to need help from a wide range of different healthcare professionals.

Your child may benefit from some of the following treatments and aids:

anti-epileptic medicine to control the seizures sodium valproate andclonazepam are some of the most commonly prescribed medicines and ketogenic diets have also been used
physiotherapy may help toimprove posture, balance and walking ability; it's also important to prevent permanent stiffening (contractures) of the joints as people with Angelman syndrome get older
a back brace or spinal surgery may be recommended to prevent the spine from becoming more curved (see treating scoliosis )
an ankle or foot orthosis (lower leg brace) may be recommended to helpwith walking independently
communication therapy may be needed to help them develop non-verbal language skills, such as sign languageand using visual aids; using iPad applications and similar tablet devices may also help
behavioural therapy may be recommended to help overcome problem behaviours, hyperactivity and ashort attention span
activities such as swimming , horseriding and music therapy have also been reportedas being beneficial

Following these studies, scientists believe it may be possible to restore UBE3A function in the brains of people with Angelman syndrome at somestage in the future.

There are also clinical trials looking at treatment for some of the symptoms associated with Angelman syndrome, such as treatments for seizures.

With age, people with Angelman syndrome become less hyperactive and the sleeping problems tend to improve. Most people with the syndrome will have intellectual disability and limited speech throughout their life.

In later childhood, the seizures usually improve, although they may return in adulthood. In adults, some mobility may be lost and joints may stiffen up. People with Angelman syndromeusuallyhave good general health, are often able to improve their communication and acquire new skills throughout their lives.