Symptoms
Symptoms of RTT can include:
- Slowed Growth - Mainly affects the brain, and how it develops. Impacts areas responsible for sensory, motor, cognitive, autonomic and emotional functions.
- Unable to Move Correctly - By 12 to 18 months there will be a significant loss of motor ability. First, you will see less control of hands. This will deteriorate rapidly then slow down.
- Unable to Communicate - Anyone with RTT might loose the ability to speak. This will also lead to less eye contact. Eventually, with help, they might be able to communicate nonverbally. This would be with hand motions and they will start to make eye contact.
- Problems with Breathing - Children with RTT could, for some reason, hold their breath which is apnea. Or start to breath rapidly, which is hyperventilation. During sleep, the child will breath normally.
- Seizures - Most people with RTT will experience a seizure during their life. They can range from muscle spasms to epilepsy.
- Scoliosis - Scoliosis is when the spine begins to curve. This can begin from the time they are 8 to 11 years.