DIAGNOSIS
Jakob’s disease can only be diagnosed through a brain biopsy or an autopsy. However, your medical and personal history, a neurological exam, and certain diagnostic tests can often help doctors make an accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms—such as muscle twitches and contractions, dysfunctional reflexes, and coordination issues—are likely to be discovered during the examination. Areas of vision and alterations in neural activity are also possible in people with this condition.
Furthermore, doctors frequently use the following tests to detect this condition:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Spinal Fluid Test
In addition, the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) test is a recent test that can detect the presence of prion proteins in spinal fluid and aid in diagnosis.
TREATMENT
Jakob’s disease, or any of its forms, has no effective treatment. Many medications have been tried and found to be ineffective. As a result, doctors concentrate on reducing pain and other symptoms, as well as making patients comfortable as possible.