Angelman syndrome (AS) is a genetic condition that causes problems with the way a child’s body and brain develop. The syndrome is present from birth (congenital). However, it often isn’t diagnosed until about 6 to 12 months of age. This is when development problems are first noticed in most cases.

This condition involves the gene UBE3A.

Most genes come in pairs. Children receive one from each parent. In most cases, both genes are active. This means information from both genes is used by the cells. With the UBE3A gene, both parents pass it on, but only the gene passed on from the mother is active.

Angelman syndrome most often occurs because UBE3A passed on from the mother doesn’t work the way it should. In some cases, AS is caused when two copies of UBE3A gene come from the father, and none come from the mother. This means neither gene is active, because they both come from the father.

In newborns and infants:

• Loss of muscle tone (floppiness)
• Trouble feeding
• Heartburn (acid reflux)
• Trembling arm and leg movements

In toddlers and older children:

• Unstable or jerky walking
• Little or no speech
• Happy, excitable personality
• Laughing and smiling often
• Light hair, skin, and eye color compared to rest of family
• Small head size compared to body, flattened back of head
• Severe intellectual disability
• Seizures
• Excessive movement of the hands and limbs
• Sleep problems
• Tongue thrusting, drooling
• Unusual chewing and mouthing movements
• Crossed eyes
• Walking with arms uplifted and hands waving

Most children with this disorder don’t show symptoms until about 6 to 12 months. This is when parents may notice a delay in their child’s development, such as not crawling or starting to talk.

Children between 2 and 5 years of age start to show symptoms such as jerky walking, happy personality, laughing often, no speech, and intellectual problems.

There is no cure for Angelman syndrome. Treatment helps to manage health and development problems caused by the condition.

• Anticonvulsant medicines help control seizures
• Behavior therapy helps manage hyperactivity, sleep problems, and development problems
• Occupational and speech therapy manage speech problems and teach living skills
• Physical therapy helps with walking and movement problems

There are a variety of support groups available for individuals with Angelman Syndrome.

Angelman Syndrome Foundation: www.angelman.org

Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics UK (FAST UK): https://cureangelman.org.uk/

AngelmanUK: www.angelmanuk.org

People with AS live close to a normal lifespan. Many have friendships and interact socially. Treatment helps improve function. People with AS can’t live on their own. However, they may be able to learn certain tasks and live with others in a supervised setting.

Complications may include:

• Severe seizures
• Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)
• Scoliosis (curved spine)
• Accidental injury due to uncontrolled movements

Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of this condition.

There is no way to prevent Angelman syndrome. If you have a child with AS or a family history of the condition, you may want to talk with your provider before becoming pregnant.

Published Date: July 30, 2021
Published By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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