Treacher-Collins Syndrome is a genetic developmental disorder with very characteristic physical symptoms that is diagnosed in approximately 1 in 50, 000 children that are born every year. The condition is usually diagnosed shortly after birth when the first characteristic physical symptoms begin to show up, but sometimes later when any of the other associated symptoms are experienced.
It can vary in how affected children diagnosed with the condition are, and some conditions are so slight with so very few symptoms that they are never diagnosed at all, while other cases of the condition can be considered a considerable amount more severe and might lead to further health complications later on in life such as compromised airways, trouble swallowing and trouble breathing.
Especially teachers and caregivers should know what symptoms to look for.
Here are 8 symptoms of Treacher Collins Syndrome that most children that are diagnosed with the disorder will have.
1. Underdeveloped Lower Jaw
One of the most common characteristic symptoms associated with Treacher-Collins Syndrome is the underdevelopment of the lower jaw. This symptom is seen in almost all cases of TCS, although in some cases it might be so slight that the condition is never completely diagnosed
In other cases, the underdeveloped lower jaw might be so prevalent that it directly affects the mechanics of the body and leads to trouble eating, breathing or swallowing. For more severe cases, diet and lifestyle changes might be recommended to lessen the pressure, and in some cases, surgical intervention might be recommended, especially where the underdeveloped lower jaw has started to impact the quality of life.
Sometimes dental issues are also very commonly seen in diagnosed cases of TCS, and the overcrowding of teeth, as well as quick loss of the enamel covering the teeth, can also be common health concerns that require monitoring by a medical professional.