Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Andrew Nuttall & Graeme Murray

Toddler given devastating diagnosis after mum notices he has some teeth missing

A toddler has been diagnosed with a rare condition which affects just 120 children in the world after his mum noticed his missing teeth.

Georgia Hughes said she spotted Myles Tucker had some missing teeth and brought it up with his doctor.

But after being being sent for tests, she was told her her "sweet and beautiful" little boy was living with a rare condition that affects only 120 children worldwide.

The genetic condition, 4H leukodystrophy, affects the nervous system, which is so rare Myles' case is only the third identified in Wales.

It can almost be missed by the naked eye - but there are some tell tale signs that can be spotted in infants.

Myles Tucker has a rare condition that only affects 120 children worldwide (Georgia Hughes)

She told North Wales Live : "I first noticed that he had some missing teeth.

"I brought this up with his paediatrician and she referred us to Alder Hey and it was there he was diagnosed with hypodontia - which is collectively part of the leukodystrophy."

The abnormal development of teeth (or lack of) is just one of three key signs of the illness.

The young mum explains how hypomyelination is another - which means that a "brain cover" has not properly developed.

Georgia said that Myles - who turned three in September - has had two MRI scans to confirm this in his case.

Another sign is "atypically delayed puberty" - but that obviously cannot be picked up until the child would normally experience those bodily changes.

Georgia said: "Myles is such a sweet and beautiful boy. He absolutely loves pre-school and this condition just doesn't stop him.

"He's full of determination and always has a smile on his face."

Georgia hopes that by speaking out other parents will be aware of the signs to look for in this rare condition.

She said: "The general life expectancy is ten years for a child with leukodystrophy. He'll need more professional care and support coming into his life as he grows up.

"As the disease progresses we'll need to keep an eye out for things like swallowing difficulties. These are things that are yet to happen but we've been told they can occur.

"I hope that by making more people aware of this condition we can help others understand it and know what to look out for."

Georgia has set up a fundraising page with the hopes of funding a cure for this illness.

You can support her by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/georgia-hughes4.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.