What are the symptoms of PWS?
People with Prader-Willi syndrome usually present a range of different symptoms as the syndrome affects many different aspects of their general health and mental and social development; some people are affected more severely than others so they may display more severe symptoms than other people. There are four main features of Prader-Willi syndrome; these include:
- Hypotonia: this is a lack of muscle tone, which affects babies most severely; a baby with PWS is usually floppy because their muscle tone is so weak.
- Obesity: obesity is a common symptom of PWS because people tend to overeat and have a relatively sedentary lifestyle. Obesity is not a common feature amongst those who have a controlled calorie intake.
- Hypogonadism: this is a hormonal condition which means that the sexual organs and characteristics do not develop fully.
- Problems with the central nervous system and the endocrine gland: these problems affect growth and development.
In addition to these features, there are a number of more specific symptoms which are common amongst people with PWS; a list of common symptoms is outlined below:
Prader-Willi syndrome
Birth Defects Guide
- Birth Defects
- Brain and Nervous System Birth Defects
- Sensory Birth Defects
- Metabolic Disorders
- Degenerative Disorders