FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME

SYMPTOMS

It varies in its symptoms and severity as some children have reported that they experience fewer symptoms than the other children. This condition includes one or any mix of physical defects, functioning problems, intellectual or cognitive disabilities, and problems and issues in coping with daily life.

Below are the problems associated with fetal alcohol syndrome:

Physical Defects

Physical defects may include:

• Recognizable facial features such as short, upturned nose, small eyes, abnormally thin upper lip, and smooth skin surface between the nose and upper mouth.
• Limbs, joints, and finger deformation.
• Hindered physical growth before and after birth.
• Audio and visual problems
• Small brain size and small head circumference
• Heart problems with kidney and bone problems

Brain and Central Nervous System Problems

Problems with the brain and central nervous system may include:

• Poor balance and coordination
• Delayed development, learning disorders, and intellectual disabilities
• Poor memory
• Information processing problems and trouble with attention
• Difficulty in problem-solving and reasoning
• Having issues with determining the consequence of choices
• Poor judgment skills
• Hyperactivity or jitteriness
• Extreme mood swings

Social and Behavioral Issues

Problems in functioning, coping, and interacting with others may include:

• Problems in school
• Having trouble socializing with others
• Poor social skills
• Difficulty in multi-tasking, changing tasks and having problems adapting with changes.
• Problem with impulse control and behavior
• Problems with focus
• Difficulty in planning or working with specific goals
• Poor time concept

DIAGNOSIS

Fetal alcohol syndrome diagnostics need thorough assessment and expertise. Early intervention and diagnoses can significantly help improve your child’s ability to function.

To diagnose, your doctor discusses about alcohol intake during your pregnancy. If you report the exact amount and times you have consumed alcohol, your doctor and obstetrician can help determining your child’s risk of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Even though your doctor cannot diagnose your baby’s fetal alcohol syndrome before birth, they can still assess the mother’s health status and the baby during pregnancy.

TREATMENT

There is no specific cure or treatment for fetal alcohol syndrome as the mental deficiencies and physical effects of this condition usually persist over for a lifetime.