Though rare, Angelman syndrome brings many insights into what can be deeply complex about genetic disorder conditions and profound effects on individuals and families. Originally described in 1965 by Dr. Harry Angelman, the condition would soon become one of the prominent areas of interest in medical science, advocacy, and awareness.

Actor Colin Farrell has made significant efforts advocating for awareness around Angelman syndrome. His son, James, was diagnosed with the condition at 2.5 years old, having been initially misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy. Farrell's advocacy draws attention to the problems parents have to face while navigating misdiagnoses and limited resources. He has since started initiatives to support families, especially because many state-level services end once the individuals with disabilities turn 21.

Below, we discuss the causes, symptoms, treatments, and the lives of individuals and caregivers living with Angelman syndrome.

What is Angelman Syndrome?

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder affecting around 1 in 12,000 to 1 in 24,000 individuals. Due to its similarity with other developmental disorders, including autism and cerebral palsy, this condition is not easily diagnosed. The syndrome impacts both males and females equally, but they experience various delays in their development, seizure episodes, and typical behaviors that are accompanied by constant laughter and happiness.

What causes Angelman Syndrome?

Angelman syndrome results from mutations in the UBE3A gene on chromosome 15. This gene is crucial for brain development because it encodes a protein necessary for neuronal function. Normally, one copy of the UBE3A gene from each parent is active throughout the body. However, in some parts of the brain, only the maternal copy is active.

When the maternal copy is missing, mutated, or otherwise inactive, Angelman syndrome occurs. The majority of cases result from spontaneous mutations, but about 3-5% are inherited. Interestingly, in approximately 10% of cases, the exact cause cannot be pinpointed.

Early Signs and Symptoms

Major symptoms or manifestations of Angelman syndrome start manifesting in the lives of parents when the child is between 6-12 months old. These early developmental delays, such as the child's failure to sit up or babble, would also warrant further investigation. As time progresses, other symptoms start to manifest themselves:

• Walker, has trouble walking, balance, or stiff-legged gaits.
• Little to no speech and heavily depends on non-verbal clues like gestures.
• Frequent laughter, hand flapping, and hyperactivity.
• Often starting between the ages of 2 and 3, seizures are frequent and sometimes lifelong.
• Large mouth, deep-set eyes, prominent chin.

Most children are symptom-free at birth, and delays in diagnosis are common, with children often misdiagnosed as having cerebral palsy or autism.

How is Angelman Syndrome Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Angelman syndrome is established by a combination of clinical evaluation and genetic studies.

• Chromosome Analysis: It studies the length, form, and number of chromosomes.
• DNA Methylation Testing: It determines whether both copies of the UBE3A gene are active.
• Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH): It detects missing or abnormal chromosomes.
• UBE3A Sequencing: It identifies mutations in the maternal copy of the gene.

These tests confirm the condition, bringing clarity and a path forward for treatment and management.

Also Read: What Is 'Butterfly Disease'? The Rare Skin Disorder That Makes Skin As Fragile As Wings

Living with Angelman Syndrome

There is no cure for Angelman syndrome, but early interventions improve and enhance the quality of life for patients. Treatments are merely aimed at symptom management and developmental support. This includes the use of:

Anti-epileptic medications to control seizures

Therapy improves mobility as well as reduces joint stiffness

Speech and Occupational therapy improves communication skills and daily living function

Behavioral Therapy manages hyperactivity and attention deficit.

Despite the challenges, many individuals with Angelman syndrome lead fulfilling lives. With proper support, adults can learn basic household tasks and, in some cases, secure supervised employment. Group homes provide a nurturing environment for adults who cannot live independently, emphasizing a sense of community and belonging.

What are the Risk Factors and Complications

There are no risk factors established except the possible presence of a family history for Angelman syndrome, a very rare genetic disorder. Such children often develop various complications requiring management. Common issues include feeding, especially at the infancy level. This might include sucking and swallowing problems leading to the requirement of specialized feeding methods. Sleep disturbances, including frequent waking and decreased need for sleep, can be a significant challenge in daily life and may be treated with behavior therapy or medication. Hyperactivity is also a common problem in younger children with Angelman syndrome, although it often decreases with age, making it easier to adapt over time.

Research into Angelman syndrome is ongoing, with studies on gene therapy and other potential treatments. Advocacy efforts, combined with early diagnosis and intervention, bring hope to families around the world.

Understanding Angelman syndrome is a step toward better care, inclusivity, and support for those affected. With increased awareness and advancements in treatment, individuals with Angelman syndrome can thrive in environments tailored to their unique needs.

Hangover headaches are miserable. Most people know that drinking too much alcohol can leave you with a long list of next-day problems, and a headache is one of the most common. You will find no shortage of so-called hangover headache “fixes” online, in home remedies, and even on store shelves. The problem is that very few of them are backed by solid scientific evidence. The surest way to prevent a hangover headache is to watch how much alcohol you drink at one time. That said, there are a few simple, home-based steps that may lower your risk of waking up with a headache, and some practical ways to manage the pain if it has already set in.

What Is A Hangover?

A hangover refers to the uncomfortable physical and mental effects you experience after drinking too much alcohol the night before. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hangovers are extremely common among people who overdrink. One study found that nearly 75% of people who consumed excessive alcohol reported hangover symptoms the following day. The same research suggested that about 25% to 30% of drinkers may not experience hangovers at all.

How Much Alcohol Does It Take To Get A Hangover?

Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage per hour can lead to a hangover. Your body generally needs about an hour to break down and process a single drink. As explained by the Cleveland Clinic, one drink is roughly equal to:

• One 12-ounce can of regular or light beer (5% alcohol).
• Half a pint, or about 8 to 9 ounces, of malt liquor or many craft beers (7% alcohol).
• One 5-ounce glass of table wine (12% alcohol).
• One shot, or 1.5 ounces, of liquor (40% alcohol).

How To Cure Hangover Headache At Home?

Many products and home remedies claim they can cure a hangover, but most are not supported by science, and some may even do harm. For instance, having more alcohol the next morning does not fix a hangover. It simply adds more toxins to your system.

Instead, consider these self-care measures for hangover relief:

• Eat simple foods with complex carbohydrates, such as toast or crackers. These can help raise low blood sugar levels and ease nausea.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Water, electrolyte drinks like Gatorade® or Pedialyte®, broth, and other non-alcoholic beverages can help counter dehydration. A good sign you are rehydrated is when your urine becomes clear.
• Get adequate sleep to help your body recover from fatigue.
• Use antacids to calm stomach discomfort.

Consider aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve aches and pains. NSAIDs are generally the most effective medications for hangover-related pain, but they should be used cautiously because they can irritate your stomach. Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol), as combining it with alcohol can damage your liver.

Give it time. Hangover symptoms usually improve within eight to 24 hours. During this period, your body works to eliminate alcohol toxins, restore hydration, repair tissues, and return normal body functions to baseline.

Although many people are only now becoming aware of it, adenovirus is being widely described as a “mystery illness spreading worldwide,” and that description feels accurate when you consider how many people are reporting symptoms at the moment. Adenovirus can cause fever, a runny nose, sore throat, and stomach discomfort, which makes it difficult to distinguish from a regular cold or the so-called “super flu” that is currently circulating. If you are feeling unwell, or concerned about catching an infection just before the holiday season, Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy explains how to tell adenovirus apart from the common cold and from the H3N2 flu strain.

What Is Adenovirus?

Adenovirus refers to a large group of viruses that can lead to infections ranging from mild to more severe. These viruses can affect the respiratory tract, eyes, digestive system, and urinary tract, often causing symptoms that look very similar to a cold or flu.

Adenoviruses are hardy, spread mainly through respiratory droplets, and can infect people throughout the year. Children and individuals with weaker immune systems may experience more serious illness, but most people recover with rest and fluids, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Adenovirus vs Cold: How Does Adenovirus Differ From Common Cold?

Adenovirus is one of several viruses that can trigger cold-like symptoms. It helps to think of a cold as a set of symptoms rather than a single illness, with adenovirus being just one possible cause. “Adenovirus is just one virus that can cause the common cold,” says Dr Lee. She adds that many other viruses can also be responsible, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and coronaviruses.

Identifying the exact virus behind your cold symptoms is very difficult. “It is pretty much impossible for you or a doctor to know which virus is causing your cold symptoms,” Dr Lee explains.

Adenovirus vs Flu: How Does Adenovirus Differ From The Flu?

“The flu can be extremely unpleasant, whereas adenovirus is usually mild,” Dr Lee says when comparing the two. She explains that flu symptoms often appear suddenly, sometimes within hours, and are usually marked by a high fever and severe discomfort.

According to Dr Lee, flu symptoms can include:

• A high temperature between 38°C and 40°C
• Joint pain and muscle aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Blocked or stuffy nose
• Dry cough
• Extreme fatigue

In contrast, adenovirus symptoms, when they appear at all, tend to develop slowly over several days, Dr Lee notes.

Other important differences between adenovirus and flu include:

• Adenovirus infections can occur at any time of year, while flu is more common during winter
• Adenovirus frequently causes pink eye, whereas influenza may lead to red or irritated eyes but less commonly
• Adenovirus often causes digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, while flu can cause these but does so less often
• Adenovirus is generally less likely to cause serious complications than influenza

Adenovirus: How To Tell If You Have Adenovirus Or Cold Or Flu?

Although adenovirus and common cold symptoms often overlap, the intensity of “super flu” symptoms usually stands out. Even so, Dr Lee explains, “The only way to really know the cause of your symptoms is to have a swab taken by a medical practitioner. This may be from the nose, throat, eye, urine, or stool.”

In most cases, testing is unnecessary and unlikely to be offered. “Because the vast majority of these viral infections are mild and self-limiting, this is rarely done,” says Dr Lee. “Treatment for any cold is symptomatic only.” She adds that extra caution is needed for babies and young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

A newly identified flu strain that spreads easily and causes more severe illness is driving infections this season. The strain, a mutated form of influenza A H3N2 known as subclade K, has been linked to a growing number of cases worldwide, including across the United States.

According to the World Health Organization, the K variant represents “a notable evolution in influenza A (H3N2) viruses,” prompting concerns among experts about how well this season’s flu vaccine may work against it.

Health specialists say the K variant is associated with stronger flu symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, exhaustion, cough, sore throat, and a runny nose. A CDC report found that of the 216 influenza A(H3N2) samples collected since September 28, nearly 90 percent were identified as subclade K. As this strain continues to circulate, here is a closer look at the symptoms being reported and the areas where flu activity is currently highest.

New Flu Symptoms

Doctors say the symptoms caused by the mutated H3N2 strain closely resemble those of typical seasonal influenza A. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Headache
• Severe fatigue
• Nasal congestion or a runny nose
• Cough

Flu symptoms often come on abruptly, Hopkins explains, describing it as a sudden, overwhelming feeling of being unwell.

The CDC notes that flu symptoms can overlap with those of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, making testing important. Three-in-one rapid home tests that check for influenza A, influenza B, and COVID-19 are now available, and experts advise keeping them on hand when possible. If you test positive for the flu, antiviral medications may help shorten the illness and lessen symptom severity, Hopkins adds.

Flu Shots: Where Is Subclade K Spreading In The US?

Below are the states and regions reporting the highest levels of medical visits related to flu-like illness, which may not reflect confirmed flu cases. The data reflects CDC reporting for the week ending December 25.

Very High (Level 1)

• New York City

Very High (Level 2)

• New York State

Very High (Level 3)

• New Jersey
• Rhode Island
• Louisiana
• Colorado

High (Level 1)

• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• Michigan
• Idaho
• South Carolina

High (Level 2)

• New Mexico

High (Level 3)

• Washington, D.C.
• Maryland
• North Carolina
• Georgia

The CDC estimates that the flu has already caused at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths so far this season. Health officials continue to recommend the flu vaccine as the most effective way to reduce the risk of serious illness.

Super Flu Symptoms: How to Protect Yourself From the Flu

During peak respiratory virus season, experts advise taking basic precautions to lower your risk and protect others:

• Keep vaccinations up to date.
• Get tested if symptoms appear.
• If you test positive, stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours without medication and your symptoms are improving. If you do not have a fever, remain home for five days after symptoms begin.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings.
• Wash your hands often.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.