Diagnosis Of Prader-Willi Syndrome
DNA testing is used to determine whether or not a child has PWS. There are many warning signs that are used to determine if a child should be tested. Some of these signs can even be detected before the child is born, while in the womb. The following signs are used to determine if a child should be tested:
- Neonatal or childhood Hypotonia (muscle weakness)
- Poor suck from birth to 6-years-old
- Feeding problems during infancy
- Facial features (described in Characteristics)
- Global developmental problems
- Excessive eating and hunger and/or excessive weight gain resulting from it
- Obession with food
- Mild mental retardation
- Behavioral problems (usually outbursts of anger; temper problems)
[Prader-Willi Syndrome 3]