Diagnosis
Labels Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome is usually based on a combination of
the mother’s drinking history (if known) and a physical examination of
the child. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has established the following
guidelines for diagnosing fetal alcohol syndrome:
features or characteristics even though these are not used to diagnose the
syndrome:
the mother’s drinking history (if known) and a physical examination of
the child. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has established the following
guidelines for diagnosing fetal alcohol syndrome:
- Facial features that include a smooth upper lip (lacking the normal
indentation between the nose and the mouth); a thin red border
along the upper lip; and an abnormally short distance between the
inner and outer corners of the eye. Other facial features may
include flattening of the middle part of the face, drooping of the
eyelids, and unusually small eyes. Although these facial features
do not look like major deformities to most people, they tell the
doctor that the child’s brain has not developed normally. - Evidence of slow growth either before or after birth. The child is
below the tenth percentile in weight or height for his or her age. - Evidence of abnormalities in the central nervous system. These may
include an abnormally small head, developmental delays, learning
difficulties, seizures or epilepsy, mental retardation, hyperactivity,
irritability in infancy, and poor judgment or impulse control in later
childhood. Many children with fetal alcohol syndrome do not learn
to communicate normally with others. They may also have problems
with memory and with paying attention. Some have difficulties
with writing or other skills involving hand-to-eye coordination. - Confirmed or suspected drinking by the mother.
features or characteristics even though these are not used to diagnose the
syndrome:
- Cleft palate
- Heart defects
- Nearsightedness or other eye disorders
- Hearing loss
- Abnormal curvature of the spine
- Unusual creases on the palms of the hands that resemble hockey
sticks - Joints that are easily dislocated
0 Response to "Diagnosis"
Post a Comment