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Williams Syndrome Pictures

What is Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome is a rare and genetic disorder that is responsible for neurodevelopmental abnormalities and distinct facial features like an elf.

Elastin is a protein that enables the blood vessels in the body as well as other tissues to stretch. Some of the genes that are responsible for the production of elastin are missing in individuals with Williams syndrome. This may result in the narrowing of the blood vessels, as seen in people with the disorder.

Williams syndrome Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of Williams syndrome are as follows:

The individual is often shorter in height in comparison to the rest of the family
Speech developmental delays which may later covert into better and stronger abilities to speak, as well as stronger learning capabilities due to hearing.
Easy distractibility and inattentiveness including other disorders like attention deficit disorder
The small finger may bend inwards.
Developmental delays
Feeding difficulties that may include vomiting, reflux and colic
Learning disabilities
Intellectual deficits leading to mild or moderate mental retardation
The chest is sunken
Individuals with Williams syndrome have distinct personality traits which include a friendly predisposition and nature, trust in strangers, phobia of any physical contact or loud noise and appreciation and interest in music.

Facial features may include:

An open mouth with striking lips
Some of the teeth may be missing and are wide-set.
The tooth enamel has defects or abnormalities
The nasal bridge is flattened and the nose is small and upturned
Epicanthal folds or the inner corners of the eyes are covered by skin
The skin has long ridges running from the nose to the upper lip

Williams Syndrome Causes

The deletion of some genes from the long arm of the chromosome 7, results in the development of Williams syndrome
Parents with Williams syndrome may pass it onto their children and hence the disorder is heritable

Williams Syndrome Treatment

Williams syndrome cannot be cured but its symptoms can be alleviated. Treatment includes:

Avoidance of additional quantities of vitamin D and calcium
Narrowing of the blood vessels are treated on an individual basis
Increased levels of blood calcium requires immediate medical treatment
Physical, speech and developmental therapies are used to correct the physical, verbal and developmental abnormalities seen in individuals with Williams syndrome.