Krabbe is a very serious disorder from the fact that in the very early stages it can’t be diagnosed. And when it is diagnosed it is generally very late to get any cure for it. Krabbe is generally not identified initially as the infant remains very normal in its behaviour and growth pattern. Then suddenly it starts showing its symptoms and baby growth starts declining.
Suddenly, baby starts crying excessively without any reason (because of any kind of disturbance in brain); stops latching to its mother; stops eating; slowly stops movement of the body parts; looses the ability to hear, vision and eventually the most important task to remain alive, breathing. Basically the disorder in the brain stops sending signals to the nerves and slowly the brain looses control on that part.
It can be analogous to switching off the lights of any building or office one by one and then finally removing the main switch of the building.
It is very sad to learn that the infants suffering from this disorder have very rarely crossed 2 years of their age. Most disheartening fact is that leukodystrophy may be difficult to recognize in the early stages of the disease. That’s why it is suggested that the people planning for a baby should definitely consider genetic counselling which might help in identifying any such characteristics being carried by the parents. God forbid, but if anything like that ever identified then at least proper tests can be carried out and if possible be cured.
“Prevention is always better than cure.”
