Definition

Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) is a type of prion disease that can cause death. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a prion disease in cows. There is evidence that BSE can spread to humans. This results in vCJD. It is also known as mad cow disease.

Causes

It is believed that vCJD is caused by proteins called prions. Prions are normal proteins in the body. These prions may fold up in a way that is not normal. This can change them into the protein that causes the illness. The buildup of these prions may be linked to vCJD.

The Nervous System Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

Variant CJD is more common in younger people. Being around tissue that contains prions may raise the risk. This may happen from:

• Eating beef from infected cows
• Getting a blood transfusion from a person who had the disease

Symptoms

After a person is exposed, it can take up to 20 years until they feel sick. Problems get worse over time and include:

• Early phase (0 to 6 months)—mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, withdrawal, memory problems, and trouble speaking
• Middle phase—nervous system problems, such as difficulty with walking and coordination, muscle jerking and stiffness, and a hard time speaking
• Late phase—being unable to talk or move

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

These tests may be done to learn more about the brain:

• Blood tests
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) to record the electrical activity of the brain
• Lumbar puncture to test the fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord

Images may be taken with:

• MRI scan
• CT scan
• SPECT scan

The only way to diagnose vCJD is for a doctor to look at the brain after a person has died.

Treatment

There is no cure for vCJD. You will receive support and help easing discomfort.

Prevention

The risk of this problem may be lowered by not eating beef products when traveling to places where BSE is a problem.