Any episode of acute hyperammonemia should be treated as a life-threatening emergency
People with NAGS deficiency, Propionic Acidemia or Methylmalonic Acidemia may experience hyperammonemia, or acute high blood ammonia levels. At high levels, ammonia is toxic (or poisonous), especially to the brain. Lowering high blood ammonia levels quickly is key.
High blood ammonia levels can occur for many years before diagnosis
Some people have episodes of high blood ammonia for many years before being properly diagnosed and treated. This happened to Mary, who was eventually diagnosed with NAGS deficiency.
This is an actual patient story, but the patient’s name has been changed and a stock photo has been used to protect her privacy.