What are the symptoms of VWM disease?

Vanishing White Matter (VWM) disease is characterized by a diverse range of symptoms, reflecting its impact on the central nervous system. Common symptoms that may present—especially in children—include cerebellar ataxia (difficulty with balance and coordination), spasticity (muscle stiffness and spasms), optic atrophy (vision loss), epilepsy (seizures), loss of motor functions, irritability, vomiting, and in severe cases, coma. In adults, the symptoms can vary widely. Although cognitive decline is generally less pronounced in adults, they may experience changes in behavior, social isolation, and psychosis, masquerading other diseases like schizophrenia. Symptoms usually appear in infants or young children but can sometimes manifest later in life. For those affected, deterioration can be rapid following episodes of stress, fever, or minor physical trauma. Diagnosing VWM most often occurs between ages 2 to 6, although some adults receive diagnosis later in life, necessitating careful neurological evaluation and timely MRI imaging to assess white matter integrity.

Leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter - Wikipedia