Created by: Top Doctors editorial
Created: 2023-04-02
What is fragile X syndrome?
Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability. Mainly it affects men (by having only one X chromosome), with an incidence of 1 in 4,000, whereas in women is 1 per 600.
What are the symptoms?
If the change in this gene is small the person has no symptoms, but if this is not the case, the symptoms include: emotional and social intelligence problems and problems with speech and language. Physically, this condition may include flat feet, flexible joints and low muscle tone, long face, or a large forehead and prominent jaw, large body size. Some of them are manifested at birth, while others may appear until after puberty. Specifically, women with this disorder may have premature menopause or difficulty becoming pregnant. In addition, both women and men can have problems with tremors and poor coordination.
Causes of Fragile X Syndrome
The cause of fragile X syndrome is that the gene that produces the protein needed for brain development does not produce it or what produces is not enough.
Can it be prevented?
You can seek advice if there is a family history, especially if the pregnancy is planned.
What is the treatment?
This condition can be diagnosed with a genetic test. There is no cure, although they can treat some of its symptoms.