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Wilson's Disease

Wilson's disease is a rare inherited disorder that causes a buildup of copper in the liver and other organs of the body, most often the brain, kidneys, and eyes. It most often occurs in teenagers and young adults.

Wilson's disease can be treated with a diet low in copper and by taking medicine that removes copper from the body. Treatment is usually successful when it begins before serious liver or brain damage has occurred. In some cases of liver damage, the person may need a liver transplant.

Last Revised: January 17, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology

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