Wilson's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and How It Affects Your Liver and Brain

When your body can't get rid of excess Wilson's disease, a rare inherited disorder that prevents the body from removing copper properly. Also known as hepatolenticular degeneration, it causes copper to pile up in your liver, brain, and other organs—leading to serious damage if untreated. Unlike most diseases, Wilson's disease doesn’t come from what you eat or how you live. It’s something you’re born with. Both your parents must carry the faulty gene, and even then, only 1 in 4 of their kids will get it. But if you do, the clock starts ticking the moment you’re born.

Most people don’t show symptoms until their teens or early 20s. Early signs are easy to miss—fatigue, nausea, belly pain, or even mood swings. But as copper builds up, things get serious. Your liver, the organ that filters toxins and stores nutrients starts to fail. Jaundice, swelling in the belly, and bleeding risks appear. At the same time, copper attacks your brain, the control center for movement, speech, and thought. Tremors, trouble speaking, stiff muscles, and even depression or anxiety can show up. Some patients develop a telltale sign: a golden-brown ring around the iris of the eye, called a Kayser-Fleischer ring. Doctors use this, along with blood and urine tests, to confirm the diagnosis.

Here’s the good news: Wilson's disease is treatable—if caught early. Medications like penicillamine or trientine bind to copper and help your body flush it out. Zinc pills block copper absorption from food. And if your liver is already badly damaged, a transplant might be the only option left. The key is knowing your family history. If someone in your family has it, get tested—even if you feel fine. Many people live full, normal lives once treatment starts. But waiting too long? That’s when brain damage becomes permanent.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides written for people living with Wilson’s disease—or caring for someone who does. From how to manage copper-rich foods like nuts and shellfish, to understanding which medications interact with your treatment, to spotting early warning signs before they become emergencies. These aren’t theory pages. They’re tools made by people who’ve been there.