Summary about Disease
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother's pregnancy. It causes brain damage and growth problems. The effects of FAS vary from child to child, but defects caused by FAS are irreversible.
Symptoms
Symptoms of FAS can include:
Distinct facial features, including small eyes, an exceptionally thin upper lip, a short upturned nose, and a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip (smooth philtrum)
Deformities of joints, limbs and fingers
Slow physical growth before and after birth
Vision difficulties or hearing problems
Small head circumference and brain size
Poor coordination
Hyperactivity
Difficulty with attention
Poor memory
Learning disabilities
Speech and language delays
Intellectual disability or low IQ
Poor reasoning and judgment skills
Sleep and sucking problems as a baby
Heart defects
Kidney problems
Behavioral problems
Causes
FAS is caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it crosses the placenta and reaches the developing fetus. Alcohol interferes with the fetus's development, particularly in the brain. There is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Medicine Used
There is no cure for FAS, and no specific medicine is used to treat the underlying condition. However, various therapies, educational interventions, and medications may be used to manage specific symptoms and co-occurring conditions.
Medications for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), anxiety, or depression.
Treatment for associated medical conditions.
Is Communicable
FAS is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person. It is caused solely by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Precautions
The only way to prevent FAS is to abstain from alcohol consumption during pregnancy and when trying to conceive. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, stop drinking alcohol entirely.
How long does an outbreak last?
FAS is not an outbreak. It's a permanent condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The effects and symptoms last throughout the individual's lifetime.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosing FAS involves a comprehensive evaluation, including:
Medical history: Assessing the mother's alcohol use during pregnancy.
Physical examination: Looking for characteristic facial features, growth deficiencies, and other physical abnormalities.
Neurological assessment: Evaluating brain function, coordination, and developmental milestones.
Developmental and psychological testing: Assessing cognitive abilities, learning skills, and behavior.
Growth measurements: Documentation of decreased head circumference and weight.
Timeline of Symptoms
Prenatal: The damage begins during pregnancy with exposure to alcohol.
Infancy: Symptoms like poor sucking reflex, irritability, and sleep disturbances may be present.
Childhood: Facial features become more apparent. Growth deficits, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems emerge.
Adolescence & Adulthood: Challenges with social skills, emotional regulation, academics, employment, and independent living may persist or become more evident. Secondary disabilities, such as mental health problems or substance abuse, can develop.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improving outcomes for individuals with FAS.
A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, educators, therapists, and social workers is essential for providing comprehensive care.
Support for the individual with FAS and their family is vital. This may include counseling, parent training, and advocacy services.
Prevention of FAS through public awareness campaigns and education about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is paramount.