Williams Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

There are different types of diseases and disorders that one may suffer from, and these are different in nature. These may develop during the course of a person’s life while others occur at birth (congenital).

Among the many diseases and disorders known to affect a person by birth, Williams Syndrome is one. Those who are born with this syndrome face problems with physical and mental development. They may be too impulsive and outgoing, and develop over social habits.

Williams Syndrome

When a person is overly sociable it is noted immediately. It is often the over excitement that gives them away. However, one cannot be diagnosed with William’s Syndrome unless the over excitement and the like is not accompanied by other known symptoms.

Some of these characters are as follows: spatial skills are below average accompanied by lower motor capability and motor control, intellectual levels are lower than average: slow development, learning problems, attention disorders.

In addition to these characteristics a person with Williams Syndrome normally has the following:

1. "elfin-like" features: these are peculiar features that often consist of slit eyes,
2. Hypertension is possible or other heart and artery-related problems
3. High levels of calcium in the blood stream (hypercalcemia),
4. smaller size than usual at the time of birth along with under average birth weight,
5. problems gaining weight through out one’s growing period,
6. problems with eating,
7. childhood irritation (the person with Williams Syndrome often suffers with irritability),
8. dental dysfunctions,
9. kidney dysfunctions,
10. hearing problems such as hyperacid, which is characterized by sensitive hearing,
11. Skeletal muscle problems and muscles problems.

It must be noted that all patients with Williams Syndrome need not have all of the characteristics as mentioned above. It varies from case to case, as some are severely affected than others.

The odd thing to note about Williams Syndrome is that people with it may demonstrate enthusiasm and interest in language, music, etc. However, it is said that their IQ levels are lower than average. These kinds of cases are considered to be mildly affected by Williams Syndrome.

Cause

It is unknown exactly how Williams Syndrome is caused, but it Research has revealed that Williams Syndrome is due to the absence of chromosome 7; it is said that the developmental problems occur because of this absence.

The exact physical cause of Williams Syndrome is not known and hence no one can be blamed for it. Instead of blaming any particular cause for the time being, it is better to work on whatever skills a person has in order to salvage as much as one can of life.

Treatment

To date, there is no known treatment available that could cure a person of Williams Syndrome. The treatment that is provided is simply symptomatic and supportive. The patients require constant monitoring because they do need to be assisted in the development of further medical problems.

In addition to monitoring patients with Williams Syndrome, there is need to realize that some patients are capable of mastering self help. This is important because of the fact that some patients may be able to eventually lead relatively normal lives.

For individuals with Williams Syndrome who are capable of mastering self help, there are training facilities to help them along.