Indicators Of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing can affect both speech and feeding for patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy. Swallowing problems often progress rapidly. In many cases, the swallowing difficulties become so severe that patients cannot eat normally and must rely on a feeding tube for nourishment. The feeding tube is the safest option for feeding patients with this condition; trying to eat regularly increases the risk of choking to an unacceptably high level. To help metachromatic leukodystrophy patients with swallowing difficulties receive nourishment, doctors typically place either a J-tube or a G-tube directly into the digestive system, allowing nutrition to be readily absorbed. The tube placement requires a small surgical procedure, and the patient's caregiver must be instructed as to how to clean the tube and properly administer the formula into the tube.

Discover additional warning signs of metachromatic leukodystrophy now.