Symptoms of Angelman Syndrome

Anxiety, where a person feels tense, restless, and apprehensive, is commonly observed in individuals with Angelman syndrome. In Angelman patients, anxiety is exhibited by clinginess, inability to relax, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, and crying.

Severe impairments in speech and difficulties with verbal communication are common in people with Angelman syndrome. Some patients may not be able to speak at all, and others — even as adults — may be able to voice only a few words. Nonverbal skills may improve in some patients as they get older.

In some cases, Angelman syndrome can also affect the eye muscles and impede the nerve impulses from the brain to the eyes, causing vision problems. Researchers suggest that eye symptoms may be used in the diagnosis of Angelman syndrome when they occur with other characteristic symptoms.

About 90% of Angelman syndrome patients experience seizures. They usually appear between the ages of 18 months and 2 years old and may be triggered by high temperatures or fever. There are different types of seizures patients may experience.

Scoliosis, or the abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, frequently occurs in Angelman patients. The condition is reported in about 20% of children and 50% of adults with the disease. Scoliosis cases should be closely monitored in Angelman patients because they may quickly progress, especially in early childhood and during adolescence.