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Definition
Characterized by Mental Retardation
What is Fragile X Syndrome?
Commonly referred to as the Martin-Bell syndrome or the Marker X syndrome, Fragile X is the most common form of inherited mental retardation in males and a significant cause in females. The inheritance is different from common dominant or recessive inheritance patterns. A fragile area on the X chromosome tends to repeat bits of the genetic code. The more repeats, the more likely there is to be a problem. Boys and girls can both be affected, but because boys have only one X chromosome, a single fragile X is more likely to affect them.
Symptoms/Warning Signs
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition involving changes in the long arm of the X chromosome.
Symptoms include:
- Family history of fragile X syndrome or mental retardation
- Mental retardation
- Large testicles
- Tendency to avoid eye contact
- Hyperactive behavior
- Large forehead and/or ears with a prominent jaw
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