Find a topic
[A-C]
[D-H]
[I-O]
[P-S]
[T-Z]
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Also called: PWS
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is an uncommon genetic disorder. It causes poor muscle tone, low levels of sex hormones and a constant feeling of hunger. The part of the brain that controls feelings of fullness or hunger does not work properly in people with PWS. They overeat, leading to obesity.
Babies with PWS are usually floppy, with poor muscle tone, and have trouble sucking. Boys may have undescended testicles. Later, other signs appear. These include Short stature Poor motor skills Weight gain Underdeveloped sex organs Mild mental retardation and learning disabilitiesThere is no cure for PWS. Growth hormone and exercise can help build muscle mass and control weight.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Learn More
Prader-Willi syndrome
Top | Home | Contact Us | Copyright | Privacy
National Library of Medicine | National Institutes of Health | Department of Health and Human Services
Page last updated on: 04 August 2010