Down Syndrome Vanessa Tam 12A
Causes Birth defect Another name: Trisomy 21 Normal human beings: 46 chromosomes The affected: 47 chromosomes Most cases: extra copy of chromosome 21 Problems: development of brain and body
Physical Symptoms Decreased muscle tone Excess skin on the neck Flattened nose Separate joints between the bones of the skull Single crease in the palm of the hand Small ears, mouth Upward slanting eyes Short hands with short fingers White spots on the colored part of the eye Smaller head with abnormal shape: front is round and back is flat
Possible Mental and Social Development Impulsive behavior Poor judgment Short attention span Slow learning Requires patience from caretaker
Possible Medical Conditions Heart problems (atrial/ventricular septal defect) Dementia Cataracts- most children with down syndrom need glasses) Gastrointestinal blockage, causing massive vomiting Hearing problems Hip problems/Dislocation Chronic constipation problems Sleep apnea Irregular growth of teeth, causing chewing problems Underactive thyroid
Signs and Tests Initial diagnosis of down syndrome at birth Heart murmur Blood test Tests to check whether he/she has down syndrome: Echocardiogram ECG X-Rays Ultrasound Continuous tests for medical conditions later on in life: Eye exams every year during infancy Hearing tests every half a year/a year Dental exams every half a year X-rays of spine from 3 to 5 years old Pelvic exams from 11 to 21 years old Thyroid tests every year
Treatment Surgery for serious medical conditions (e.g. gastrointestinal blockage; heart defects) Sports to prevent/improve from obesity Behavior training to improve frustration and compulsive behavior and encourage independence Special education and training Speech therapy- language Physical therapy- movement skills Occupational therapy- performing tasks Mental healthcare/counselor
Bibliography http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH000199 2/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/down_synd rome.html