Symptoms of Turner Syndrome
The symptoms of turner syndrome are many and may vary significantly from on girl to another.
No two individuals will have exactly the same physical, emotional or behavioral manifestations.
Turner
syndrome is a genetic disease that occurs in about 1 in 2000 live
births world-wide. There are no known causes or risk factors.
Symptoms
Since Turner syndrome is a genetic developmental disease,
abnormalities are often noticed even before birth in the developing
fetus during a routine obstetrical ultrasound.
After birth, the morphological features may be noticed soon by the health care team following delivery or latter by the parents.
Generally,
the symptoms of Turner syndrome include developmental, physical,
psychological or behavioral. Some symptoms characteristically occur at
birth or during infancy while others will become unveiled at a latter
age.
At birth or during infancy
Some girls may not have the early physical features of Turner syndrome.
Early findings include
- Wide or web-like neck. This is due to fluid accumulation around this area during fetal development.
- Swelling of the hands and feet, especially at birth. This is called lymphedema.
- Receding or small lower jaw
- High, narrow roof of the mouth (palate) is often very suggestive of the diagnosis.
- Low-set ears
-
Loose folds of skin, particularly in the neck, are signs in newborns.
This is called cutis laxa. This is a result of resolving lymphedema and
occasionally is observed after infancy. - Low hairline at the back of the head
- Drooping eyelids
- Hip dislocation: Infants have a higher incidence of congenital hip dislocation.
- Broad chest with widely spaced nipples
- Short fingers and toes
- Arms that turn outward at the elbows (cubitus valgus)
- Fingernails turned upward
- Slightly smaller than average height at birth
- Delayed growth
- Sensitivity to noise
In older girls, adolescents and young women
For
some girls, the presence of Turner syndrome may not be readily apparent
even after birth. Signs and symptoms in older girls, adolescents and
young women that may indicate the syndrome include:
- Childhood growth failure
- Short stature, with an adult height of about 8 inches (20 centimeters).
- Learning disabilities though with normal intelligence.Math may be a particularly overwhelming.
- Social difficulties due to misinterpretation of other’s reactions and emotions.
- Absence of sexual changes expected during puberty — due to ovarian failure.
- Sexual development that seems to begin to gets arrested prematurely.
- Complete cessation of the menstrual cycles.
- Scoliosis. Twisting of the spine
- Infertility.
Most women with Turner syndrome will need medical aid to conceive. A
small percentage of women however get spontaneous pregnancies.
Seeking Medical Care
The diagnosis of Turner syndrome is made in the hospital. If you suspect
your child is having symptom suggestive of the disease, you should see a
doctor immediately for the appropriate tests to be done to confirm or
exclude the diagnosis. Early institution of therapy is important
especially in age sensitive problems like the height.
Return From Symptoms of Turner Syndrome To Turner Syndrome
Return From Symptoms of Turner Syndrome To Menstruation Home
Leave a Reply