Hypothyroidism Cause For Low IQ
Posted on June 14, 2008 in Current Affairs by Danteshwari
A child may not be able to concentrate. His or her academic performance may not be up to the mark. Physical activities maybe shunned. Breathlessness could be problem. Physical growth is affected. Why so? It is hypothyroidism.
Endocrinologists favor a child getting a thyroid test in the initial stages. Dr. S.K.Wangnoo, endocrinologist, Indraprashta Apollo feels it is an auto-immune disorder and not a lifestyle problem. A recently begun pilot project at AIIMS screens newly born for thyroid disorders. Dr. V.K. Paul, professor of paediatrics, AIIMS is of the view that that brain development in the initial two years can get seriously affected by hypothyroidism. Early detection can protect the children from development problems of serious nature.
Children are scolded for bad performance at school. It may not be their fault. Hypothyroidism hampers their grasping capacity, as result of which they suffer from lower IQ levels. The physical growth of the child is also affected.
The pituitary gland governs the functioning of the thyroid gland. The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is released by it. In the case of hypothyroidism, there are less thyroid hormones. There is excessive production of T3 and T4 hormones.
In developed countries, screening of the thyroid is carried out in newborns. In India, no such programs are there. Most cases are diagnosed at a late stage. Dr. Sujeet Jha, endocrinologist, Max Healthcare, says that in case a pregnant woman is suffering from hypothryoidism and is not diagnosed, then the neurological growth of the foetus can be damaged, which results in mental retardation.
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