Prion Disease (Kuru)

Brain & Nerve

Diseases & Conditions

Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHNov 20, 2018

The topic Prion Disease (Kuru) you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Kuru.

Quick Summary:

Kuru is a fatal, irreversible, and degenerative neurological disorder that is caused by an abnormal protein called prions, which is found in the human brain
Kuru was commonly found among the people of an island called Papua New Guinea who practiced cannibalism, a practice where the brain of dead people were eaten by their relatives and family members as part of certain funeral ritual
The abnormal prion proteins alter the internal structures of the brain cells, causing abnormal functioning of the brain and nervous system
The common signs and symptoms associated with Kuru include coordination problems with difficulty in walking, tremors, emotional liability, headache, muscle jerks, difficulty in speech and swallowing, and many other features
A definitive diagnosis of Kuru can only be made either through a brain biopsy or post-mortem exam of brain
Kuru is incurable and presently, there is no known treatment for the condition. The prognosis is poor and death usually occurs within a year of onset of the first symptoms

Please find comprehensive information on Kuru regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.

On the Article

Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

Medical Information

Products