This site is intended for u.s. audiences
This site is intended for u.s. audiences
Learn more about MPS and find out how to get involved in raising awareness
ABDOMINAL HERNIA
When some tissue or part of your bowel pushes through a weakness in your tummy (abdominal) wall.
ABSENCE SEIZURE
A seizure which causes the affected person to blank out or stare into space for a few seconds.
Achilles tendon
A strong, fibrous band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
ADENOID
Small lumps of tissue at the back of the nose, high up in the throat.
ADENOIDECTOMY
Surgery to remove the adenoids.
allergy specialist
A doctor who focuses on diagnosing and treating allergies and related conditions.
AORTIC VALVE
A valve in the heart, located between the left ventricle and the aorta.
APNEA
A temporary interruption in breathing which can occur during sleep.
AMNIOTIC FLUID
The liquid that surrounds an unborn baby during pregnancy.
ARRHYTHMIA
Irregular rhythm of the heart.
ATTENUATED
Reduced in force, effect, or value.
ANESTHESIA
The use of medicines to prevent pain during surgery and other procedures.
ANTIHYPERTENSIVE
A type of drug that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
BILEVEL POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (BIPAP)
A type of non-invasive ventilation. It is used when you have a condition that makes it hard to breathe, such as sleep apnea.
behavioral therapist
A mental health professional who specializes in treating emotional and behavioral challenges in individuals, developing tailored strategies to enhance coping skills and overall well-being.
BIOPSY
A medical procedure that involves taking a small sample of body tissue so it can be examined under a microscope.
BRADYCARDIA
A slow heart rate.
BRONCHOSCOPY
A test to look at the inside of the airways in your lungs.
Cardiologist
A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating issues relating to the heart and blood vessels.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME (CTS)
A common syndrome described by pain, or numbness and tingling in the hand that sometimes radiates up the arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand is compressed at the wrist.
CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE
An operation to relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
CARRIER
An individual who has a recessive, disease-causing version of a gene on one of their chromosomes and an unaffected version of the same gene on their other chromosome. Carriers are able to pass on the affected gene but do not have the signs and symptoms of the condition.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS)
Comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The CNS receives sensory information from the nervous system and controls the body's responses.
CHORIONIC VILLUS
Tiny projections of placental tissue that look like fingers and contain the same genetic material as the fetus.
CHROMOSOME
A thread-like structure located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells. Each chromosome is made of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
cognitive function
The ability of the brain to think, learn, remember, concentrate, and solve problems. This helps us navigate everyday tasks and decisions.
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
When a person has trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect their everyday life.
COMMUNICATING HYDROCEPHALUS
A condition which describes the impaired reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. Fluid can accumulate and cause pressure inside the head to increase.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
A procedure that uses a computer linked to an X-ray machine to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body.
CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (CPAP)
A machine that delivers just enough air pressure to a mask to keep your upper airway passages open, preventing snoring and sleep apnea.
CONTRACTURE
A permanent tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin. It prevents normal movement of the associated body part.
DERMATAN SULFATE
A glycosaminoglycan found predominantly in the skin but also in blood vessels, heart valves, tendons, lungs, and intestinal mucosa.
DYSOSTOSIS MULTIPLEX
The collective term for the skeletal abnormalities observed in lysosomal storage disorders such as MPS II.
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
An ultrasound of the heart. It is a type of medical imaging of the heart.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (EKG)
ELECTROCARDIO-
GRAM
A recording of the heart's electrical activity.
ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE
A small tube that is placed into the trachea (windpipe) through the mouth or nose to maintain a clear passageway to deliver oxygen or anesthesia to the lungs.
Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT)
A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating problems relating to the ear, nose, and throat.
ENZYME
A protein that helps speed up metabolism or chemical reactions in our bodies. They build some substances and break others down.
ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY
A measure of the quantity of active enzyme present.
FIBROBLAST
A type of cell that contributes to the formation of connective tissue, a fibrous cellular material that supports and connects other tissues or organs in the body. Fibroblasts are responsible for making collagen that helps support the structural framework of tissues.
geneticist
A doctor who studies genes, focusing on how genetic information influences health, development, and the risk of inherited diseases.
genetic counselor
A healthcare professional who helps families understand genetic disorders, providing support and information.
GENE
The basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes are made up of DNA and can act as instructions to make proteins.
GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN (GAG)
GLYCOSAMINO-
GLYCAN (GAG)
Also known as mucopolysaccharide. GAGs are long chains of carbohydrates found in all cells that help to build bone, cartilage, tendons, corneas, skin, and connective tissue. They are also found in the fluid that lubricates joints.
HEART VALVE DISEASE
A disease in which one or more of the valves in the heart doesn't work properly.
HEPARAN SULFATE
A glycosaminoglycan found attached to the cell surface or extracellular matrix proteins of all tissues.
HERNIA
The protrusion of an anatomical structure through the wall of the surrounding tissue.
hydrocele
A swelling that occurs when fluid collects in the thin sheath that surrounds the testicle.
IDURONATE-2-SULFATASE (I2S)
An enzyme required for the lysosomal degradation of the glycosaminoglycans dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate. People with MPS II do not have enough of this enzyme.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A plan outlining a child's learning goals and support services required. Used by schools to guide teaching and track progress of students with additional support needs.
INGUINAL HERNIA
Occurs when fatty tissue or a part of the bowel, such as the intestine, pokes through into the groin at the top of the inner thigh. It pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall into an area called the inguinal canal.
INTUBATION
A process where a healthcare provider inserts a tube through a person's mouth or nose, then down into their trachea (airway/windpipe). The tube keeps the trachea open so that air can get through.
KYPHOSIS
An excessive curvature of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back.
LIGAMENTS
Bands of tough elastic tissue around your joints. They connect bone to bone, give your joints support, and limit their movement.
LYSOSOMAL STORAGE DISEASE (LSD)
LSDs are a group of diseases characterized by the deficiency of specific lysosomal enzymes which are responsible for the degradation of specific cellular material, including mucopolysaccharides. Without enough of these enzymes, the substrates build up in the lysosomes.
LYSOSOME
A compartment inside a cell that contains enzymes which are responsible for breaking down waste proteins and carbohydrates.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
A non-invasive imaging technology using magnets to produce three-dimensional anatomical images.
MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDE
MUCOPOLY-
SACCHARIDE
Also known as glycosaminoglycan (GAG). Mucopolysaccharides are long chains of carbohydrates found in all cells that help to build bone, cartilage, tendons, corneas, skin, and connective tissue. They are also found in the fluid that lubricates joints.
MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSES (MPS)
MUCOPOLY-
SACCHARIDOSES (MPS)
A group of several rare genetic lysosomal storage disorders resulting from single enzyme deficiencies that are needed to break down glycosaminoglycans.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM
A group of healthcare workers who are members of different disciplines, each providing specific services to the patient.
MUTATION
Any change in the DNA sequence of a cell. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial or have no effect. Mutations can also be inherited.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Your body's command center. Originating from your brain, it controls your movements, thoughts, and automatic responses to the world around you. It also controls other body systems and processes, such as digestion, breathing, and sexual development (puberty).
NEUROBEHAVIORAL
Having to do with the way the brain affects emotion, behavior, and learning.
Neurologist
A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating issues relating to the nervous system.
Neurosurgeon
A doctor specialized in diagnosing and performing surgery on conditions relating to the nervous system.
NEUROPATHIC
A disease condition originating from abnormal activity of the nervous system.
NON-NEUROPATHIC
A disease or condition not originating from abnormal activity of the nervous system.
obstetrician-gynecologist
A doctor specializing in women's reproductive health, including care before, during, and after childbearing years.
obstructive bronchitis
A lung condition that causes inflammation in the airways of the lungs, making breathing difficult.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
A healthcare professional who can help patients adapt to make a task easier, enabling them to continue doing what is important to them.
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Formal name for an eye care specialist.
ORPHAN DISEASE
A condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people nationwide.
ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE
Equipment designed to prevent or manage musculoskeletal problems.
orthopedic specialist
A doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions related to the bones, joints, and muscles.
OTOLARYNGOLOGIST
Formal name for an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
pediatrician
A doctor who specializes in the medical care of children and adolescents.
pediatric surgeon
A doctor who specializes in performing surgeries on children and adolescents.
physiatrist
A medical doctor who specializes in pain management and rehabilitation.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
A healthcare professional who specializes in treating conditions that impact movement.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability.
pulmonary
A word used to describe the lungs and respiratory system.
pulmonologist
A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating issues relating to the lungs and respiratory system.
RECESSIVE
Relating to characteristics controlled by genes which are expressed in offspring only when inherited from both parents.
SCOLIOSIS
A lateral curvature of the spine.
SEIZURE
Sudden, uncontrolled body movements and changes in behavior that occur from sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
SERUM
The clear liquid part of the blood without blood cells and clotting proteins.
SHUNT
A hole or a small passage (usually using a tube) that is made to allow blood or other fluid to move from one part of the body to another. Usually placed in the brain, and occasionally the spine.
speech pathologist
A healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders, commonly known as a Speech Therapist.
SPINAL STENOSIS
A narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.
SPLEEN
A large abdominal organ situated just below the stomach which has various functions, including storing and filtering blood, conserving iron, and creating lymphocytes.
TACHYCARDIA
A rapid heart rate.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS)
A syndrome characterized by pain, or numbness and tingling in the foot that can sometimes radiate up the leg. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the foot, typically the posterior tibial nerve, is compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel near the ankle.
TENDON
A fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
TONIC-CLONIC
A form of seizure that involves both tonic (stiffening) and clonic (twitching or jerking) phases of muscle activity.
TONSILLECTOMY
Surgical removal of the tonsils.
TRACHEOSTOMY
A surgical procedure in which an opening is made in the trachea (windpipe) in order to open up the airways. This is sometimes performed in an emergency situation, e.g. during upper airway obstruction.
TYMPANOSTOMY TUBES
Tiny cylinders, usually made of plastic or metal, that are surgically inserted into the eardrum. An ear tube creates an airway that ventilates the middle ear and prevents the accumulation of fluids behind the eardrum.
UMBILICAL HERNIA
A hernia caused by abdominal organs protruding into the naval (bellybutton). It is most commonly seen in children.
VENTRICLE
A cavity of a bodily part or organ.
X-RAY
A test that uses low-level radiation to take pictures of the inside of the body, helping doctors find broken bones and other health issues.
X-LINKED
Associated with genes only located on the X chromosome. A male carrying such a mutation will be affected, as he only carries one X chromosome. A female carrying a mutation in one gene, with a normal gene on her other X chromosome, is generally unaffected.
