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The Most Common Characteristics of Dwarfism

May 28, 2013

Have you been following the Disability Living blog this week? If so, you are aware that we have been blogging about dwarfism (short stature). Dwarfism affects many people and can cause serious symptoms that are sometimes life-threatening. The good news is researchers are helping individuals impacted by dwarfism live longer and healthier lives. Are you affected by dwarfism?

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What is the most common form of dwarfism?

While there are over 200 types of dwarfism, the most common kind is achondroplasia. Achondroplasia’s symptoms include “short fingers, often with a wide separation between the middle and ring fingers,” a head that is disproportionately large, and “progressive development of swayed lower back.” Read more about this form of dwarfism at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dwarfism/DS01012/DSECTION=symptoms.

What are the symptoms of dwarfism?

There are many types of dwarfism, and each type can affect individuals differently and present varied symptoms. However, there are several common characteristics of dwarfism in general. These characteristics/symptoms include:

–Short arms and legs
–Prominent forehead
–Limited mobility–Flattened bridge of the nose
–Bowed legs
–Swayed spine

In all cases of dwarfism, affected children will not ever grow to be a full-sized adult. A lot of children impacted by dwarfism barely reach 4 feet tall.

Additional medical problems caused by dwarfism.

In addition to the symptoms listed above, many affected by dwarfism deal with the following issues:

–Problems with organ growth
–Impaired mental function
–Problems with eyesight

How has dwarfism affected your health?

Have you been affected by dwarfism? If yes, how has it impacted your health? We would love to hear from you, so feel free to comment on this Disability Living blog post. The DL blog exists to host conversations that are beneficial to the entire disability community of Canada. If you have disabilities or health problems caused by dwarfism, we would love to hear from you.

What is your disability?

Perhaps you aren’t affected by dwarfism, but deal with the symptoms of another type of disability, medical condition, or health complication. What is your disability? You are also welcome to share comments on the Disability Living blog. We look forward to reading what you have to say. Thank you for following the Disability Living blog.

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