Patient EducationAug | 12 | 2019
Prader-Willi Syndrome: What You Need to Know
What are the symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome?
Symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are different in every person. Not everyone is affected the same way. Symptoms can also change with age.
Babies
- Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
- Difficulty sucking with trouble feeding
- Distinct facial features, such as a narrow nasal bridge; almond-shaped eyes; narrow head; a turned-down mouth; and a thin upper lip
- Delayed or poor development of motor skills, such as feeding, sitting up or walking
Childhood, teen years and adulthood
- Constant food cravings and a slow metabolism. The cravings and slow metabolism can cause unhealthy weight gain or obesity if left unchecked.
- Learning disabilities
- Problems or delays in learning language
- Behavioral issues
- Little or no sex hormone production from the brain. This can cause small sex organs, incomplete or delayed puberty, and infertility (trouble reproducing later in life)
- Short stature (short height)
- Small hands and feet
- Scoliosis (curved spine)