Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome
Synonyms: Subacute spongiform encephalopathy, Gerstmann-Straussler type
A rare inherited human prion disease characterized by adult onset of slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia with dementia developing relatively late in the disease course (classic ataxic phenotype). Patients may present with gait disturbances and frequent falls dysarthria dysphagia nystagmus dysmetry and eventually pancerebellar syndrome myoclonus spasticity severe dementia and mutism. The disease is invariably fatal after five years on average. Neuropathological hallmark is the presence of numerous multicentric prion protein plaques in the cerebral and cerebellar cortex.
Data from Orphanet are used to provide information on a disease's name, synonym(s), and overview.
Reference: Access aggregated data from Orphanet at Orphadata.
Orphadata: Free access data from Orphanet. © INSERM 1999. Available on http://www.orphadata.org. Data version April 2024
Newly diagnosed with
Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome?
Our RARE Concierge Services Guides are available to assist you by providing information, resources and connections as you navigate your rare disease journey.
Advocacy Organizations
COMBINEDBrain Inc
COMBINEDBrain is a consortium for outcome measures and biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders. We are collaborating to cure rare, non-verbal brain disorders.
Childhood Dementia Initiative
Childhood Dementia Initiative (CDI) is driving world first action in the consideration of the 70+ genetic conditions that cause childhood dementia under the one umbrella.
Genetic Support Network of Victoria
The Genetic Support Network of Victoria is an organisation that supports people living with genetic, undiagnosed and rare conditions and those who support them including community and families, patient support organisations, health professionals and industry. Our vision is our community flourishing and living their best lives.
KIF1A.ORG
KIF1A.ORG is a global community dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by KIF1A Associated Neurological Disorder (KAND) and accelerating research to find a cure.
Moonshots for Unicorns
Curing single-gene disorders
Project CASK
To fund research for treatment and/or a cure for CASK Gene Disorder
Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) Australia
Provide information, support and advocacy to families caring for a child with an undiagnosed or rare genetic condition.
Clinical Trials
For a list of clinical trials in this disease area, please click here.