Wilson's Disease

What is it?

A genetic disorder in which the body accumulates excessive amounts of copper therefore causing adverse effects to the brain and other important organs.

Symptoms

Some general symptoms include swelling of liver or spleen, fatigue, bruising, tremors, muscle stiffness,and behavior change.  One of the more characteristic signs is a rusty brown ring around the cornea of the eye.

Here is a short clip from "House" showing the rusty brown rings around the eyes.

Diagnosis

Through physical and laboratory examination by a physician.

Treatment

Prescription of cuprimine or suprimine to release copper into bloodstream where the kidneys may filter it out.  Also the consumption of zinc and zinc salts help block absorption of copper from foods.

More information:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/wilsondisease.html

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/wilson/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wilsons-disease/DS00411

http://www.wilsonsdisease.org/wilson-disease/wilsondisease-symptoms.php