National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. It is possible
that the main title of the report Canavan Disease is not the
name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the
alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this
report. Synonyms Back to top - Aspartoacylase Deficiency -
Canavan's Leukodystrophy - Canavan-Van Bogaert-Bertrand Disease
- Spongy Degeneration of the Central Nervous System - Van
Bogaert-Bertrand Syndrome - ASPA Deficiency Disorder
Subdivisions Back to top General Discussion Back to top Canavan
disease is rare genetic neurological disorder characterized by
the spongy degeneration of the white matter in the brain.
Affected infants may appear normal at birth, but usually develop
symptoms between 3-6 months of age. Symptoms may include an
abnormally large head (macrocephaly), lack of head control,
severely diminished muscle tone resulting in "floppiness", and
delays in reaching developmental milestones such as independent
sitting and walking. Most affected children