Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (cont.)
What is the diagnosis "fetal alcohol effects"?
Fetal alcohol effects (FAE) is a softer diagnosis than FAS. The diagnosis of possible FAE
is considered when
- the person has some signs of FAS;
- the person does not meet all of the necessary criteria
for FAS; and
- there is a history of alcohol exposure before birth.
What problems are peculiar to children with fetal alcohol
syndrome?
With time, FAS children tend to have eye, ear, and dental problems.
Myopia (nearsightedness) may develop. Problems with the eustachian tube
leading to the middle ear set the stage for ear infections. There is
frequent malalignment and malocclusion of the teeth. Children with FAS
have enough difficulty in life without the additional burden of not being
able to see, hear, and eat normally. These deficits should be treated
appropriately.
Behavior problems in FAS are manifold, including unpredictable extreme
mood swings, impulsiveness, diminished judgment, attention deficit, lack
of normal self-discipline, irresponsibility, and difficulty taking social
cues.
What causes fetal alcohol syndrome?
The ultimate cause is alcohol intake by the pregnant mother. However,
alcohol itself may not be directly responsible for all (or any) of the
features of FAS. What may be responsible are byproducts generated when
the body metabolizes ("burns") alcohol. The end result is a
decrease in the number of brain cells (neurons), abnormal location of
neurons (due to disturbance of their normal migration during fetal
development), and gross malformation of the brain.
Next: How much alcohol is safe during pregnancy? »
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