Putting a Spotlight On
Each month The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute spotlights a different developmental disability to help build awareness and educate others about the disability. Learn more below.
What is Usher Syndrome?
- Usher syndrome is a condition that affects both hearing and vision. It causes eye disease and deafness. It may also cause balance problems. There are 3 types of Usher Syndrome, Types 1 and 2 are the most common.
What are the signs/symptoms?
- Symptoms include:
- deafness or hearing loss
- retinitis pigmentosa (RP) - an eye disease
- In children:
- Trouble moving around in the dark
- Taking longer to adjust to lighting changes
- Tripping over objects in their path
- In adults:
- Trouble walking, reading, and driving
What is Usher Syndrome a result of?
- Usher syndrome is a result of changes in genes, or gene mutations. Each type of Usher Syndrome can be caused by different gene mutations.
What are the complications of Usher Syndrome?
- Symptoms of Usher Syndrome tend to get worse over time
- Can lead to deafness or blindness
- Babies born with Type 1 may experience balance problems which may cause delays in their ability to sit or walk by themselves. They also may need help with any balance related activity.
References:
- www.nei.nih.gov
- medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/usher-syndrome
- my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15046-usher-syndrome
