Down Syndrome or medically known as Trisomy 21 is a condition where a baby is born with an extra copy of a chromosome. On average, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes.
This extra copy of chromosome 21 affects the brain development and organ functions of the baby’s body. Typically, people with Down Syndrome have mid to lower range of IQ.
Down Syndrome is quite a common condition that happens for 1 in every 320 babies in Dubai alone.
- What is Monkeypox?￼
- The 7 Most Common Menstrual Disorders
- Myth vs. Reality: What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?
Types Of Down Syndrome
There are 3 types of Down Syndrome that are currently known:
According to research and statistics, Trisomy 21 is the most common type of Down Syndrome and accounts for almost 95% of all Down Syndrome cases around the world.
Trisomy 21 happens when chromosome 21 failed to separate, resulting in another copy of the chromosome.
Translocation Down Syndrome
Accounts for less than 4% of Down Syndrome cases around the world. Translocation Down Syndrome happens when the extra pair of chromosome 21 is present but attaches itself to another chromosome.
Mosaic Down Syndrome
This is the rarest form of Down Syndrome and accounts for 2% of all Down Syndrome cases. Mosaic Down Syndrome happens when there are three separate chromosome 21.
Down Syndrome Symptoms
Although Down Syndrome affects how the brain develops, there are also physical symptoms that are shown in people with Down Syndrome.
Here are the symptoms of people with Down Syndrome:
- Almond-like eyes that are slanted upwards
- flattened face (in the nose area)
- Short neck
- Mid to lower IQ range
- Slowed development of speech
- White spot on the iris
- Poor muscles
- Loose joints
Down Syndrome is normally diagnosed prenatally. During this period, doctors might suggest a prenatal screen test and diagnostic test. Prenatal screening tells the probability of the fetus having Down Syndrome.
Down Syndrome can also be diagnosed at birth by the symptoms that the child show.
Unfortunately, Down Syndrome is a lifelong condition. However, there are therapies that are used to help.
Early intervention is a program dedicated to young children and families. The program includes speech therapy and physical therapy.
Physical therapies help children develop their motor skills and improve their posture. Speech therapy will help the children use language more effectively. Additionally, speech therapy may include teaching infants the ability to breastfeed which eventually helps the muscle to communicate verbally.
Aside from physical and speech therapies, there’s also occupational therapy that helps children to perform daily tasks.
Check out Okadoc blog and application to read more on health topics.
With more kids going back to in-person classes this year, with the COVID-19 Delta variant on the rise, this year’s back-to-school won’t be as usual.
From the easiest summer salad recipe to simple desserts, these easy summer recipe ideas will keep your summery breezy.
Do you ever think that spending hours in front of the TV is not a healthy option for spending time? What if we told you that this has several benefits?
Sunburn is a skin burn that occurs if exposed to the sun for too long without precautions. Here are some tips on how to heal sunburn and how to prevent it.
For people who fast in Ramadan, Suhoor is considered as body fuel, this is why it’s important to have a balanced meal. Here is our healthy recipes selection
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)? What causes it? How to detect it? And how to treat it? Learn more about how a billion people are impacted…
You’ve probably heard countless times how working out have many benefits for the whole body and mind. Here is 5 reasons why you should start working out now
Okadoc now offers virtual consultation with trusted doctors and hospitals. Learn more here!
Recently, the number of monkeypox infections has increased worldwide, making it a source of concern for many individuals for fear of becoming the next global epidemic.
Hunger is a natural signal to your body that it needs more food. There are many explanations why you constantly feel hungry, read more to discover them.
Some women have little or no problems during their periods, while others have different menstrual disorders due to many causes. Learn more about this topic.