Down Syndrome: Symptoms & Signs (Trisomy 21)

$\"$alt_text\"$ ');"); } else { echo" $\"$alt_text\"$ "; } ?>

Alternate Names : Trisomy 21

The following characteristics can be seen in people with Down syndrome:

smaller-than-average physical size

poor muscle tone, which tends to improve somewhat over time

a small head, the back of which is flatter than average

flat facial profile

upward slant of the eye slits

an extra fold of skin at the inner corners of the eyes

small mouth with a tendency to protrude the tongue

small hands with short fingers and a single crease across the palms

congenital heart disease, or heart defects that are present at birth

learning disabilities

an IQ that is rarely higher than 50 (with normal IQ being around 100)

faster aging process, with a tendency to develop diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer's disease, at a relatively early age

Previous section		Next section
Down Syndrome: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors		Down Syndrome: Diagnosis & Tests

Author: Ronald J. Jorgenson, DDS, PhD, FACMG
Reviewer: Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed: 07/27/01

$\"$alt_text\"$ ');"); } else { echo" $\"$alt_text\"$ "; } ?>