The Treatment of Down Syndrome

May 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The main goal when treating a person with Down syndrome is to manage their medical condition and control the symptoms of the condition, since there is no cure. Some of the common treatments are medications, screenings, regular checkups and surgery. Individuals with Down syndrome can also benefit from attending regular support and counseling groups in order to cope with many of the common emotional aspects of this condition.

There are times an individual with Down syndrome need surgery for common conditions that may occur, such as congenital heart disease. Counseling can also be beneficial and is not limited to just those with this condition. Family members of those with Down syndrome can learn important information from individuals with the highest paying jobs such as nurses, doctors, and other health care professionals in order to get questions answered and options in treatment.

The checkups and regular screening for those with Down syndrome are a necessity. This is because these individuals have health risks that include a host of serious conditions. These conditions include: thyroid problems, leukemia and other cancers, congenital heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, eye problems, joint/nerve/bone/ muscle problems and more.

The risks and medical conditions that can come about with this chromosomal condition give those with Down syndrome an increased risk of premature death. It is also important to catch a problem before the symptoms occur, which is why it is essential that physicians schedule regular screenings. These screenings can indicate if there are changes in the condition of the vision or with hearing and can also recognize the presence of infections or cancer

 

Filed Under: Health Tips, Medication Tagged With: , ,

The Secrets of Fragile X Syndrome

December 30, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Since Fragile X Syndrome can affect different individuals within the same family in a wide range of symptoms, unless there is at least one member with a profoundly obvious disability, this genetic condition can actually go entirely unnoticed.
All of the genetic conditions are related in the fact that they are all caused by one common gene known as the FMR1 gene. Since often the males tend to have more disabling and visible effects of this genetic condition, a family with only girls may not be diagnosed until later in life when difficulties in childbearing becomes an issue.

The most common complication of a condition with the FMR1 gene is known as Fragile X Syndrome and can be defined by a mental impairment. However, whether or not that impairment is severe enough to merit further testing is often the reason why many live for years with this condition, some indeed forever, without knowing that this genetic disorder has affected them

Physical Symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome

Although these can vary as well, the most profound physical symptoms are most often seen in males with the same symptoms greatly reduced but present in females as well.

-The main physical features can include long faces and prominent ears. The ears can often be larger, wider and longer than is average and may actually protrude more noticeably away from the head.
-Larger head circumference in breadth and length
-Macroorchidism or enlarged testicles

Behavioral Characteristics

Behavioral symptoms can of course vary but are most commonly displayed as:

-Sweet and affectionate personalities
-Strong desire for social interactions
-Great sense of humor
-Impulsive and easily distracted
-Short attention spans
-Difficulty staying focused on tasks

There is a blood test available to test for this genetic condition. If you suspect a family member may have this genetic condition, be prepared to have all members of your family tested.

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Postpartum Depression Has No Face

December 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Any mother can be affected by this mental disorder. A first time mother is no more susceptible to suffering from the symptoms of postpartum depression than a mother giving birth to her fourth child. The most important thing to understand is there is no shame, no fault and no cause to feel guilty or a bad mother because of feelings for emotions that are difficult to understand.

Postpartum depression is actually a medical condition that can occur within the first few months after giving birth and extend indefinitely if not treated. Due to hormonal and biochemical changes that happen in the body, a person’s usual behavior can be drastically altered.

Symptoms to Look For

There is a very long list of signs and symptoms to look for in a person you may fear is suffering from postpartum depression. Some of them can include:

-Reduced energy
-Insomnia or erratic sleeping patterns
-Frequent weeping
-Difficulty with daily task
-Reduced appetite
-Feelings of hopelessness
-Unusual anger or anxiety
-Memory loss
-The urge to escape from the baby or your family
-houghts of suicide

If you or person you love is suffering from noticeable degrees of any of the listed symptoms, the most important thing to do is tell someone immediately. Often the signs and symptoms left unchecked can actually cause the signs and symptoms to become extreme in nature. Escalated symptoms such as paranoia, confusion and even hallucinations.

Is There Help Available?

The answer to that question is a resounding yes. It is of utmost importance to remember that at this time accepting help, sharing responsibilities and letting others around you know of your up’s and downs are the most important responsibilities that you have as a parent. Be sure to speak your medical professional about these issues before inactivity allows for a tragic mistake.

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