Childhood Ataxia with Central Hypomyelination

Also known as:  CACH;  Vanishing White Matter Disease

Childhood Ataxia with Central Hypomyelination is a form of Leukodystrophy.  CACH patients have reduced life expectancy.  Patients with later onset of disease have a slow progression, and often live into the second and third decades.

 CACH is more prevalent in Caucasian persons.

Animal-Derived Products

 Myelin Sheath Extract may be useful for the treatment of CACH (it may inhibit the further degeneration of Myelin Sheaths). 

Vitamins

 Vitamin B6 may be useful for the treatment of CACH (due to its role in supporting the Brain’s Myelin Sheaths). 

Nervous System

 CACH may cause Coma (between the ages of one and five).

 Most CACH patients develop Epilepsy (seizures) during the latter course of the illness.

 CACH may cause Spasticity.

 CACH may cause Speech Impairment/Speech difficulty (between the ages of one and five).