Rett Syndrome

Summary

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disease that causes developmental and nervous system problems, mostly in girls. It’s related to autism spectrum disorder. Babies with Rett syndrome seem to grow and develop normally at first. Between 3 months and 3 years of age, though, they stop developing and even lose some skills. Symptoms include:

• Loss of speech
• Loss of hand movements such as grasping
• Compulsive movements such as hand wringing
• Balance problems
• Breathing problems
• Behavior problems
• Learning problems or intellectual disability

Rett syndrome has no cure. You can treat some of the symptoms with medicines, surgery, and physical and speech therapy. Most people with Rett syndrome live into middle age and beyond. They will usually need care throughout their lives.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Encyclopedia

• Breath – holding spell Medical Encyclopedia

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Rett Syndrome National Institutes of Health

Find an Expert

• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Diagnosis and Tests

• How Do Health Care Providers Diagnose Rett Syndrome? Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Journal Articles

• Rett Syndrome

Start Here

• Rett Syndrome National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• Rett Syndrome Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Rett Syndrome: Overview Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Patient Handouts

• Rett syndrome Medical Encyclopedia

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

• Rett Syndrome: An Overview of This Rare Genetic Disorder
• Weathering a Rare Childhood Disorder

Genetics

• Rett syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
• What Causes Rett Syndrome? Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Symptoms

• What Are the Symptoms of Rett Syndrome? Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Treatments and Therapies

• What Are the Treatments for Rett Syndrome? Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Specifics

• What Are the Types and Phases of Rett Syndrome? Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development