Canavan Disease

Canavan Disease is a severe progressive genetic disorder that occurs most frequently in children of Ashkenazi (European) Jewish ancestry. Symptoms appear after the first few months and may include macrocephaly, hypotonia, and poor head control. The disease typically progresses with lack of muscle development, seizures, optic atrophy, and feeding problems. The large majority of children with Canavan Disease die before age five. The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG) recommends carrier screening for couples in which at least one person is of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. DNA Direct offers Ashkenazi Jewish Carrier Screening for $262 to $1219 depending on the tests ordered.