Symptoms
Loss of speech and purposeful hand movements are the most common symptoms of Rett syndrome.
Children with the syndrome develop the following symptoms:
- Loss of purposeful movements of the hand such as touching, grasping or reaching out
- Developmental disabilities
- Loss of speech
- Balance and coordination impairment leading to disability in walking including losing the ability to walk in many cases
- Stereotypic hand movements
- Floppy hands and legs
- Excessive saliva and drooling
- Breathing problems, such as hyperventilation, holding breath, apnea when awake
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- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Problems related to social behavior
Other general problems include scoliosis, heart problems, constipation, gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD), and trouble with swallowing, chewing and sleep. However these problems may not be Rett-specific symptoms.
