Is Marfan syndrome a physical disability?

Is Marfan syndrome a physical disability?

You can obtain a disability for Marfan's syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder that affects multiple body systems, including the skeleton, eyes, heart, blood vessels, nervous system, skin, and lungs. There is no specific laboratory test to diagnose Marfan syndrome.

What limitations does a person with Marfan syndrome have?

The general guidelines for people with Marfan syndrome are to avoid competitive and contact sports that would put added stress on the aorta, cause chest or eye trauma, or be potentially damaging to loose ligaments and joints.

Is Marfan syndrome serious?

Some complications of Marfan syndrome can be very serious, like an aneurysm (bulge) of the aorta, the main artery that takes blood away from the heart. Some complications of Marfan syndrome can be very serious, like an aneurysm (bulge) of the aorta, the main artery that takes blood away from the heart.

Can you live a normal life with Marfan syndrome?

People with Marfan syndrome who are diagnosed early and receive proper medical treatment can now live a lifespan equal to people in the general population.

What famous person has Marfan syndrome?

Abraham Lincoln is the most famous American who had Marfan syndrome. So did Julius Caesar and Tutankhamen. In more recent times, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, basketball prospect Isaiah Austin and, perhaps, al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden had Marfan syndrome.

Can you have a mild case of Marfan syndrome?

Sometimes Marfan syndrome is so mild, few if any, symptoms occur. In most cases, the disease progresses with age and symptoms of Marfan syndrome become noticeable as changes in connective tissue occur.

Can you have marfans and not be tall?

Not everyone who's tall or thin or nearsighted has the disease. People who have Marfan syndrome have very specific symptoms that usually occur together, and it's this pattern that doctors look for when diagnosing it.

Does Marfan syndrome shorten your life?

One in 10 patients may have a high risk of death with this syndrome due to heart problems. Despite the high risk for Marfan related cardiovascular problems, the average life expectancy of those with Marfan syndrome is nearly 70 years. The life expectancy in this syndrome has increased to greater than 25% since 1972.

Who has died from Marfan syndrome?

Flo Hyman, one of the United States' best volleyball players, died in January, 1986, after collapsing in a match in Japan. She was 31 and died from Marfan's Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder of connective tissue usually found in tall people.

At what age is Marfan syndrome detected?

Amniocentesis at about 16 to 18 weeks can also test for Marfan syndrome. This involves taking and examining a small sample of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the fetus in the womb). While these tests can show if your child has the gene defect, they can't indicate how severe the condition will be.