What is variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare brain disorder that causes progressive dementia, leading to coma and death. Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is caused by an abnormal protein, called a prion. The prion is present in cattle that have bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Humans may become infected by eating cattle that are infected with the prion. Cases of Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are very rare because infected cattle are removed from the food supply.

What are the symptoms of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?
Initial symptoms of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease include hallucinations, unrealistic ideas or plans, insomnia and mood changes. Symptoms of worsening variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease include abnormal movements, difficulty speaking, poor balance, facial weakness, confusion, hearing loss and tremors.

How does the doctor treat variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?
There is no cure for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Treatment for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease may include anticonvulsant medications, antidepressant medications, sedatives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain.