Adrenomyeloneuropathy facts for kids

Adrenomyeloneuropathy (say: ad-ren-o-my-el-o-new-ROP-uh-thee) is a rare inherited disorder. This means it is passed down through families. It is a type of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. This condition affects the brain and spinal cord. It also impacts the adrenal glands.

What is Adrenomyeloneuropathy?

Adrenomyeloneuropathy, often called AMN, is a form of adrenoleukodystrophy. It is a genetic disorder. This means it happens because of a change in a person's genes. AMN mainly affects the nervous system. It also affects the adrenal glands. These glands make important hormones.

How Does it Affect the Body?

AMN causes problems with something called myelin. Myelin is a fatty covering. It wraps around nerve fibers. Think of it like the plastic coating on an electrical wire. This coating helps electrical signals travel fast. Myelin does the same for nerves. It helps messages move quickly. These messages go between the brain and the rest of the body.

When someone has AMN, their myelin gets damaged. This makes it hard for nerve signals to travel. It can lead to many different symptoms. These symptoms usually appear in adults. They can include problems with walking and balance.

What Does "X-linked" Mean?

AMN is an "X-linked" disorder. This means the gene causing it is on the X chromosome. Everyone has two sex chromosomes. Females have two X chromosomes (XX). Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).

Because it's X-linked, AMN affects males more often. They only have one X chromosome. If that X chromosome has the changed gene, they will get the disorder. Females have two X chromosomes. If one X has the changed gene, the other X can often make up for it. This means females might be carriers. They can pass the gene on. But they might not show strong symptoms themselves.

Understanding Leukodystrophy

Adrenomyeloneuropathy is a type of leukodystrophy. The word "leuko" means white. "Dystrophy" means abnormal growth or development. So, leukodystrophy means problems with the brain's white matter. The white matter is where the myelin is found.

In leukodystrophies, the myelin covering is disrupted. This means it breaks down or doesn't form correctly. When myelin is damaged, nerves cannot send messages well. This can cause many health issues. It affects how the brain and body work together.

See also

In Spanish: Adrenoleucodistrofia para niños