On this page: - What is Wilson disease? - Who gets Wilson
disease? - What causes Wilson disease? - What are the symptoms
of Wilson disease? - How is Wilson disease diagnosed? - Who
should be screened for Wilson disease? - How is Wilson disease
treated? - Points to Remember - Hope through Research - For More
Information What is Wilson disease? Wilson disease is a genetic
disorder that prevents the body from getting rid of extra
copper. A small amount of copper obtained from food is needed to
stay healthy, but too much copper is poisonous. In Wilson
disease, copper builds up in the liver, brain, eyes, and other
organs. Over time, high copper levels can cause life-threatening
organ damage. Who gets Wilson disease? People who get Wilson
disease inherit two abnormal copies of the ATP7B gene, one from
each parent. Wilson disease carriers, who have only one copy of
the abnormal gene, do not have symptoms. Most people with Wilson
disease have no known family history of the disease. A person's
chances of having Wilson