Physical exam for Down syndrome
The physical examination of a baby who is thought to have Down syndrome includes:
- Examining the baby's body for the physical features of Down syndrome, such as a flat face, eyes that slant up, a crease in the center of the palm (simian crease), abnormally shaped ears, a tongue that sticks out, and loose muscles and joints.
- Examining the ears, nose, and throat for respiratory infections.
- Listening to the heart for possible defects. Even if no unusual heart sounds are heard, the baby needs a complete heart evaluation by a heart specialist and a pediatric echocardiogram. It is very important to have this done so that heart problems can be detected early.
- Examining the eyes for cataracts, strabismus, and nystagmus. Examination for cataracts is routinely done during the newborn stage (birth to 1 month of age). Examination for strabismus and nystagmus may be delayed but should be done by the time the baby is 6 months old.
- Evaluating the nervous system by testing the baby's reflexes.
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: August 9, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics David Smith, MD - Family Medicine | |
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