It is a condition which is diagnosed before 18 years of age which includes those children who have a below average intellectual function and lack of general skills . Mental retardation is considered to be a common disease which manifests with the increasing age but the problem starts when the disease appears before 18 years of age . About 1-3% of the world is suffering from this disease but the cause is found in only 25% of cases .
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| child suffering from cytomegalovirus infection |
CAUSES
Congenital infections
Chromosomal abnormalities
Genetic abnormalities
Hypothyroidism
Hyperbilirubinemia
Malnutrition
Birth asphyxia
Iodine deficiency in the diet
Trauma to head
SIGNS
Children has difficulty in talking and understanding . He might have delayed milestones and may start talking late .
Impaired memory
Impaired problem solving skills
Not able to take care of himself
PREVENTION
Improving the nutritional status of the community as a whole specially the female child
Intake of balanced diet by the pregnant women
Reducing low birth weight and premature birth
Folic acid supplementation in pregnancy to avoid the neural tube defects
Avoiding teenage and old age pregnancies
Vaccination of pregnant women
Vaccination of the children according to the EPI schedule
Avoidance of inter marriages
Safe delivery by skilled birth attendants
Keep your thyroid healthy by exercise, diet and by taking desiccated porcine tablet at least once a day
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