Health

Health Difficulties in Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

There are a number of health problems associated with Cornelia de Lange syndrome.

Research shows that children and adults with Cornelia de Lange syndrome often have to deal with significantly more health problems in comparison to other individuals with intellectual disability. The health difficulties that occur most frequently include eye problems, cardiac anomalies,  gastrointestinal issues, problems with genitalia, hernias and limb abnormalities. For information on how to identify pain in children with severe intellectual disabilities and/or communication difficulties please click here.

An accessible summary table describing these findings and the original research article they were taken from can be downloaded below.

Some of these health issues in Cornelia de Lange syndrome may be particularly important for understanding behaviours that challenge , for example, gastrointestinal issues.  This is because pain or discomfort could be contributing to any change in behaviour in individuals with Cornelia de Lange syndrome.  In addition, health difficulties have been associated with low mood in Cornelia de Lange syndrome.

Use the left hand menu to read about gastrointestinal issues or to read more about other health difficulties.