Down Syndrome

What is Down Syndrome?

In many areas, Down syndrome — or ‘Mongolism’ —is the most common form of mental retardation or retardation. These children are slower than others in learning to use their bodies and minds. There are also some physical signs or problems. (The combination of various signals is called 'syndrome.') The defect in 'chromosomes' does not usually develop in the womb (the material in each cell of the body determines how the baby looks and feels).

Sign and Symptoms 

1. At birth, the baby is floppy and weak.

2. Baby doesn't cry big.

3. The infant is slower than other infants of his or her age: turn around, perceive things, sit down, talk, walk.

4. When abruptly lowered, the baby does not respond by extending its arms, just like a normal baby.

5. Eyes leaning upwards; Sometimes cross-eyed or poorly focused.

6. Eyes leaning upwards; Sometimes cross-eyed or poorly focused

7. The ears are low

8. Small mouth, open; The roof of the mouth is high and narrow; Tongue hangs

9. The fold of the skin is covered with the inner corner of the eyelid.

10. The fold of the skin is covered with the inner corner of the eyelid.

11. Eyelids may be swollen and red.

12. There are very few white spots on the eyelid; Like sand. These are usually lost at 12 months of age.

13. A deep crease to the palm.

14. Small wide arms with small fingers. The little finger may be twisted or single.

15. A deep crease to the palm (sometimes even in normal children)

16. Short or small head, back and width flat.

17. Short or small head, back and width flat

18. Sometimes the fruits are removed

19. Flat face

20. Small nose, flat between eyes

21. Short neck & rounded shoulders.

22. Short neck

23. Rounded shoulders

24. Small arms and legs

25. The kneecap slipped to one side

26. 'Pigeon toe'; Flat feet

27. The toe rests on the other toe

Other signs and Symptoms.

• The elbow, hip and ankle joints may be very loose and straight.
• One in 3 people have heart problems.
• Can develop leukemia.
• Check older children for listening and viewing problems.
• One in 10 can deform the neck bones, slipping and pinching the nerve cord in the spine. It can cause sudden or slow growing paralysis or sudden death.