Down Syndrome Symptoms

While some people have many Down syndrome symptoms, others have only a few. At least 100 characteristics are associated with the condition, including a flat facial profile, an upward slant to the eye, and learning disabilities. In addition, people with Down syndrome are at increased risk of developing certain medical conditions not necessarily associated with specific Down syndrome symptoms, such as congenital heart disease.

 

Down Syndrome Symptoms: An Overview

The extra chromosome 21 arrangement of Down syndrome appears to be one of the most common genetic abnormalities known, occurring as frequently as 1 in every 800 to 1,000 births.
 
While Down syndrome is common, the Down syndrome symptoms an individual experiences can vary. Some people may have several symptoms; others only a few. Some people experience severe symptoms; others can have mild ones.
 

Characteristics of Down Syndrome Symptoms

There are estimated to be over 100 characteristics of Down syndrome. Common characteristics of Down syndrome can include:
 
  • A flat facial profile
  • An upward slant to the eye
  • A short neck
  • Abnormally shaped ears
  • White spots on the iris of the eye (called Brushfield spots)
  • A single, deep transverse crease on the palm of the hand
  • Smaller than average size
  • Exaggerated space between the first and second toe
  • Poor muscle tone (called hypotonia)
  • Joint looseness
  • Broad feet with short toes
  • Learning disabilities.
     
(Down Syndrome Symptoms Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD