Diagnosis

To diagnose fetal alcohol syndrome four points of criteria that represent the key features of the disease must be met:

1.    Growth deficiency- this is measured on a scale of the percentile of the standardized growth. Growth deficiency is confirmed on the following scale:

High- weight and height below 3 percent of all children of the same age and sex

Medium- just height or weight below 3 percent of all children of the same age and sex

Low- weight and height between 3 and 10 percent of all children of the same age and sex

Normal- weight and height above 10 percent of all children of the same age and sex

2.    Fetal alcohol syndrome facial features- the three main facial feature abnormalities are looked for: 

Absence of the philtrum- the lack of the groove found between the nose and the upper lip, a thin upper lip and finally a decreased eye width. Each feature is measured on a 5 point scale of severity with 5 being most severe.

 3.    A trained physician will also check for damage to the central nervous system through tests that include psychological and speech assessment.

 4.     Parental confirmation of alcohol exposure prenataly.

Did You Know?

Patients with fetal alcohol syndrome have a lower susceptibility to addiction and turning to crime.