Wilson’s disease
Wilson’s disease is a rare inherited condition that causes copper to build up in the liver and brain.
Who gets Wilson’s disease?
People are born with Wilson’s disease. Symptoms can start at any age but typically appear between the ages of 4 and 40. It is often diagnosed in teenagers and young adults.
Why early diagnosis matters
Most people respond well to treatment if the condition is caught early. Those with Wilson’s disease must take medicines daily for the rest of their lives.
Without treatment, Wilson’s disease can lead to severe illness or even death.
How common is Wilson’s disease?
Around 1 in 30,000 people have got Wilson’s disease.
The information on this page is for:
- Adults and children with Wilson’s disease or suspected Wilson’s disease
- Parents of children with Wilson’s disease or suspected Wilson’s disease
- Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals
Quick Summary
Wilson’s disease:
- is a rare condition
- is an inherited condition
- happens when someone gets a gene for it from their mother and their father
- causes copper to build up in organs, particularly the liver and brain
- can start showing symptoms at any age
- can suddenly cause liver problems
- is diagnosed by looking at symptoms and tests for copper levels and genes
- can be very serious if untreated
- requires lifelong treatment
- is best managed at specialist centres
Find out more about Wilson’s disease using the links below.
Find out more
Tests for Wilson’s disease
Wilson’s disease is diagnosed using lots of different tests. The order of the tests will depend on symptoms and age. If someone is diagnosed with Wilson’s disease, close family members should be tested.
Tests for Wilson's disease in children
Family testing for Wilson's disease
Treatment and life with Wilson’s disease
Most people with Wilson’s disease can live long and full lives if the condition is found early. But regular treatment is vital.
Support
How Liver UK can help
A diagnosis of liver disease can be worrying, and you may have a lot of questions.
We're here for you and for your family and friends. Whether you have questions or just need someone to listen, we can help.
Everyone’s experience of Wilson’s disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.
Our information aims to be clear, up-to-date, and useful. We work with people living with liver disease and clinicians to make our information.
The main source for this information is: EASL-ERN clinical practice guidelines on Wilson’s disease, 2025
This content was last reviewed: December 2025
We would like to thank all the patients and families who helped to create this information. Thank you to our clinical reviewer, Dr William Griffiths, consultant hepatologist, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS foundation trust.
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