The signs and symptoms which are closely associated with Stickler syndrome are many and known to vary from one person to another. However, a combination of several of these symptoms is generally observed in people suffering from this condition, at different ages of their life
The signs and symptoms which are closely associated with Stickler syndrome are many and known to vary from one person to another. However, a combination of several of these symptoms is generally observed in people suffering from this condition, at different ages of their life. A child born with Stickler syndrome is born with abnormal facial features which becomes less apparent as the years pass by and the child grows into adulthood.
In several cases it has been found that a baby is born with several birth defects when suffering from Sticklers Syndrome which are discussed below. It involves careful study and diagnosis to understand the condition thoroughly. However, here are some very common symptoms of Stickler syndrome.
Know The Signs Of Stickler Syndrome
Different Eye Problems
Children who suffer from stickler syndrome suffer from different types of eye disorders which are normally associated with adults. Children who are born with Stickler syndrome have severe near sightedness which is mainly due to their small eyes. Many children have cataracts from birth or may develop in their infant years.
Glaucoma is also a symptom which is associated with increase in eye pressure and in severe cases and the eye nerves can get damaged too. Retinal detachments or problem in the eyeball lining is also a common syndrome.
Nearly 60% people have hearing problems as a symptom. This can occur much later in life and often tends to get unnoticed. Children who are born with cleft palate can have conductive hearing loss too. However, hearing loss in children which occurs due to Stickler syndrome is mild and does not require hearing aids.
Unusual Facial Features
Children who are born with Stickler syndrome have a flattened facial structure. They tend to have a recessed nasal bridge or a small nose. The chin is many times foreshortened.
However, as the child grows up these features tend to become less distinctive. 20% of children who are born with this syndrome have a cleft palate. Eyes are generally small.
Children Tend To Have a Short Stature
25% children suffering from Stickler syndrome are of short stature. They tend to have longer legs and arms.
Abnormalities In Bones And Joints
A strange symptom observed among children with Stickler syndrome – they can easily extend their joints quite beyond the normal range. However, this ability does not stay as the child grows up.
Long fingers and quite large knuckles is also a common symptom. Children tend to develop abnormal spine curvatures like scoliosis. It is important to monitor children carefully during their growth years, so that any problem can be early detected and treatment started.
There are several symptoms which are closely associated with Stickler syndrome though not much common. Those who are born with cleft palate suffer from occasional swallowing difficulties. They develop ear infections and suffer from ear pain or temporary loss of hearing also. In several cases, individuals tend to develop cardiac problems too in the later stages of life.
As mentioned, signs and symptoms may vary but includes most of the above symptoms detected at various stages of life.