Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) damages your brain, spine, and nerves. CJD causes a loss of mental, emotional, and physical abilities. CJD is fatal over time.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You have trouble breathing.
• You have sudden changes in your vision.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You are depressed and feel you cannot cope with your condition.
• You are anxious or nervous even after you take medicine.
• You have severe muscle twitching or pain even after you take medicine.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

• Medicines are given to decrease pain, anxiety, and muscle spasms.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Walking and home safety:

Use a 4-pronged cane or walker to help you keep your balance when you walk. Remove loose carpeting from the floor to reduce your risk for a fall. Use chairs with side arms and hard cushions to make it easier to get up and out of a chair. Put grab bars on the walls beside toilets and inside showers and bathtubs. These will help you get up and prevent falls. You may want to put a shower chair inside the shower.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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