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Putting a Spotlight On

Each month The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute spotlights a different developmental disability to help build awareness and educate others about the disability. Learn more below.


What is Turner Syndrome?

  • Turner syndrome is a condition that only affects females and results when one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing.

What are the signs/symptoms?

  • Signs/Symptoms before birth include:
    • Large fluid collection on the back of the neck or other abnormal fluid collections (edema)
    • Heart abnormalities
    • Abnormal kidneys
  • Signs/Symptoms at birth/infancy include:
    • Wide or weblike neck
    • Low-set ears
    • Broad chest
    • And more...
  • Signs/Symptoms in childhood include:
    • Slowed growth
    • No growth spurts at expected times in childhood
    • Failure to begin sexual changes expected during puberty

What is Turner Syndrome a result of?

  • Turner syndrome occurs when part or all of an X chromosome is missing from most or all of the cells in a girl's body. A girl normally receives one X chromosome from each parent. The error that leads to the missing chromosome appears to happen during the formation of the egg or sperm.

What are the complications of Turner Syndrome?

  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision problems
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • And more ...

References:


Spotlight Archive