How To Treat Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome is a disorder that adversely affects the development of the body. It is an uncommon genetic disorder that causes the afflicted individual to experience a series of symptoms and problems with learning. Common symptoms include issues with the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and other vital organs. Patients suffering from this syndrome also have unique facial features, such as uneven eyes and exceptionally small chins. Williams syndrome is diagnosed in young children, and there is no cure for this condition. However, there are many effective methods for managing the symptoms of Williams syndrome. Get to know some of these methods now.

Having The Necessary Specialists

Individuals suffering from Williams syndrome have many bodily problems. Their heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and other vital organs are greatly compromised, which can cause life-threatening issues. Therefore, it is important for them to receive routine care from a variety of health professionals who can prevent serious problems from developing. These care providers include cardiologists, gastroenterologists, ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, and psychologists. Seeing a cardiologist is important because they can monitor heart defects and treat high blood pressure. A gastroenterologist can help treat issues with chronic constipation and abdominal discomfort. Visiting an endocrinologist can help treat hormone issues, like diabetes. An ophthalmologist can help treat hyperopia, which is a common symptom in patients with Williams syndrome. Therapists and psychologists can improve the mental wellbeing and motor functioning of those with Williams syndrome. These specialists can help alleviate symptoms and ensure a longer life expectancy for individuals with this disorder.

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A Specialized Diet Low In Calcium And Vitamin D

Individuals with Williams syndrome have high calcium and vitamin D levels in their body. Having a high amount of calcium in the body is called hypercalcemia, which can cause kidney stones and weaken the bones. Hypercalcemia can also cause hypothyroidism, which means the thyroid hormone level is drastically decreased and create damage to the body. This is why it is critical for patients suffering from Williams Syndrome to refrain from eating too many foods rich in vitamin D and calcium. These individuals should eat plenty of vegetables and fruits loaded with vitamin A, C, and E instead. Including nutritious foods, like spinach, bell peppers, oranges, papayas, kale, and sweet potatoes can also help with chronic constipation. Individuals with Williams syndrome are prone to metabolic disorders, like diabetes, so they should try avoiding sugary beverages and snacks to minimize their risk.

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Therapies

Therapeutic interventions can improve the lives of Williams syndrome patients. There are three major types of therapy helpful in treating the symptoms of this genetic disorder. They are physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Physical therapy is helpful in improving the balance of individuals with Williams syndrome. These therapists can also strengthen the patient's weak muscles by working on their impaired gross motor skill functions. Occupational therapists can help patients with visual-spatial issues by improving their fine muscle control. They also help with feeding problems. Williams syndrome patients often have speech problems due to muscle tone weakness associated with speaking and processing speech patterns. Other types of therapies that can help individuals with Williams syndrome are hippotherapy and music therapy. Hippotherapy involves riding a horse to improve mental symptoms and emotional wellness. Music therapy is used to improve the patient's mood and motivate them to complete goals and tasks.

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Medications

Individuals who have Williams Syndrome experience serious problems with their heart and blood vessels. One of the symptoms that afflict them is the narrowing of their arteries. This contraction doesn't allow enough essential oxygenated blood to reach the heart. Not only does it cause a decrease in blood flow, but it also elevates blood pressure and harms the heart. If blood pressure gets too high, it can lead to a stroke or a heart attack. Individuals suffering from Williams syndrome can take medication to help lower blood pressure and dilate the blood vessels. Beta blockers are effective drugs that can keep hypertension at bay. They widen the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the heart, preventing any dangerous buildups from occurring.

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Surgery

Individuals with Williams syndrome often suffer from pulmonary arterial stenosis, coronary arterial abnormalities, and systematic arterial stenosis. Supravalvular arterial stenosis is the most common heart problem found in Williams syndrome patients. These defects can keep the heart from working properly and are very detrimental to patient health. Surgical intervention can help correct damage to the heart and blood vessels caused by this genetic disorder. A popular surgery performed is a patch enlargement to the problem areas of the aorta, aortic branch, and isthmus. The surgeon may make other types of surgical repairs to the cardiovascular system as they see fit. A series of pre-surgery imaging tests, like ultrasounds and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, can help the surgeon determine the extent of heart damage and what needs to be repaired.