Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A Case Report

Abstract

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is a human spongiform encephalopathy caused by prions. It is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease with death resulting within 12 months of disease onset. Clinically patients may present with a triad of progressive dementia, myoclonus and ataxia, accompanied by visual disturbances and psychiatric signs and symptoms. The patient presentation is largely non-specific and must be differentiated from other forms of dementia. This presents a challenge for physicians in diagnosing this rare condition. We present a 61- year-old woman with impaired consciousness and a rapidly worsening condition, with a suspected diagnosis of sporadic CJD.