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Medical conditions

At Sternenbrücke, we support children, teenagers and young adults with a wide variety of often very rare diseases. Each condition brings its own challenges – for our young guests as well as their families.

The most common diseases

Children, adolescents and young adults who come to Sternenbrücke have been diagnosed with a life-shortening illness. The most common include metabolic and muscular disorders, neurological diseases and cancer.

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Metabolic diseases in detail

When the body's own processes become unbalanced, serious metabolic disorders arise. Many are hereditary and progressive, such as NCL (neurodegnerative ceroid lipofuscinosis), MPS (mucopolysaccharidosis) or leukodystrophies. Affected children initially appear to develop normally, but over time they lose important abilities such as sight, hearing, speech and motor skills. They often end up completely dependent on support.

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Neurological disorders in detail

Neurological disorders affect the brain and nerve pathways that control vital impulses in the body. Even as infants, children can be severely affected by these disorders, for example through difficulties in breathing, swallowing or motor development. Spastic paralysis often occurs and worsens over the course of a lifetime. These children are permanently dependent on close and caring support.

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Muscle disorders in detail

Muscle diseases cause progressive muscle tissue wasting, for example in muscular dystrophy or muscular atrophy. Initially, the development is often inconspicuous, but gradually the children lose their muscle strength. They are unable to learn to walk or stand, or they lose these abilities. Later, the arms, hands and respiratory muscles are also affected – until artificial ventilation becomes necessary.

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Cancer in detail

Cancer develops as a result of uncontrolled cell proliferation, which destroys healthy tissue and can spread throughout the body. This includes brain tumours, leukaemia and neuroblastomas, among others. The symptoms depend on the location of the tumour and range from pain, paralysis and sensory loss to severe mood swings.

Frequently askedquestions

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Initial contact for families

Do you have any questions about admission to the Sternenbrücke children's hospice, or would you like to make an enquiry about a stay? Then please feel free to contact us.

Anne Hagen & Katja Eichstaedt

Anne Hagen
Katja Eichstaedt