In collaboration with several experts in the medical field and our unique partnership with DAN Europe, this page regularly answers interesting medical questions.
IAHD keeps instructors abreast of the latest medical developments/questions.
Down syndrome and diving from a diving medical point of view:
Down syndrome is a congenital disorder resulting from a chromosomal abnormality. All features of Down syndrome arise because (part of) chromosome 21 occurs in triplicate (instead of in duplicate). This is why this syndrome is also called 'trisomy-21'.
The most well-known feature of Down syndrome is intellectual disability, but there are other conditions that are more common with this syndrome.
Through IAHD (International Association for Handicapped Divers) I have been asked what the diving medical consequences of Down syndrome are for diving. In order to answer this question properly, I will go through the most common characteristics together with the possible consequences for diving. I will then close with a general conclusion.
- Mental disorder
- heart defect
- Epilepsy
- defense systems
- Diabetes Mellitus [diabetes]
- Thyroid problems
- Psychiatry
- Problems with the senses
- Motor skills / posture / musculoskeletal system
- mouth motor
- Skin problems
Click here to read the complete article.
This article was written by Franka Appelman (Medical Examiner of Divers / Diver Doctor) for the IAHD.