Living with Fetal methylmercury syndrome
Problems seen in babies when the mother was exposed to too much methylmercury during pregnancy, mainly affecting the nervous system and growth.
Understanding Fetal methylmercury syndrome
Symptoms may include nervous system problems such as poor coordination (ataxia), delays in movement and thinking skills, and seizures. Thinking skills may be affected. It may also be linked to early birth, low birth weight, and slower growth in the newborn period.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Small head size (microcephaly)
- Hearing problems
- Vision problems
- Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
- Short stature
- Seizures and developmental delays
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
World Craniofacial Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: World Craniofacial Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with World Craniofacial Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused when the mother is exposed to too much methylmercury during pregnancy.
Also known as: fetal methyl mercury syndrome; foetal methyl mercury syndrome; foetal methylmercury syndrome; methyl mercury antenatal infection
Patient organizations
- World Craniofacial FoundationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- Children's Craniofacial AssociationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- FACES: The National Craniofacial AssociationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- myFaceCraniofacial anomalies · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Fetal methylmercury syndrome.
Explore research for Fetal methylmercury syndrome
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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