Ataxia Telangiectasia, or the Boder-Sedgwick Syndrome, is one of the many genetic factors that can cause the development of a facial vein. This condition is also called the Louis–Bar Syndrome. This rare congenital disorder is found among men and women. The condition is present at the time of birth, and the symptoms become more severe as childhood progresses.
This condition is essentially a neurological abnormality that affects the physical and mental development of the child. Also called AT syndrome, Ataxia Telangiectasia is known to cause widespread dilation of blood vessels in the body, including the face. Facial veins caused by AT syndrome are more pronounced around the eyes, though there is no definite pattern regarding the development of such symptoms.
Ataxia Telangiectasia Basics
Ataxia Telangiectasia syndrome refers to the presence of two prominent kinds of symptoms; Ataxia refers to the poor coordination levels in the individual that is indicative of neurological deficit and Telangiectasia refers to multiple dilated blood vessels (facial veins) that are a characteristic feature of this condition.
Cause of Ataxia Telangiectasia
Ataxia Telangiectasia is a purely genetic condition. It is not a communicable disease. In terms of genetic penetration, it is very difficult to decode the familial pattern governing the onset of this condition.
The gene responsible for Ataxia Telangiectasia is generally referred to as the ATM gene. This gene is responsible for regulating the duplication of human DNA and for eradicating the DNA combinations that are wrongly coded. Thus, when this gene malfunctions, wrongful genetic combinations are also accepted.
Ataxia Telangiectasia has a pronounced effect on the cerebellum of the brain. This part of the brain controls the coordination function of the body and hence, Ataxia-related symptoms arise. Along with this, the genetic abnormality weakens the immune system. This induces widespread abnormalities in the respiratory and vascular systems of the body.
Patients of Ataxia Telangiectasia have an increased risk of developing cancer. The vascular disorders are responsible for precipitating the formation of facial veins. The patient has impaired physical development.
Ataxia Telangiectasia Facial Veins
Please understand that Telangiectasia is not limited to Ataxia Telangiectasia only. It represents small, reddish facial veins induced due to any underlying reason. In Ataxia Telangiectasia, the presence of facial veins is among the initial set of symptoms that point towards the onset of the genetic disorder.
It is seen that blood vessels within the white part of eyes are unusually dilated. Further, there is widespread presence of facial veins that appear as branched, small networks of fine, red lines. Each reddish line is essentially a dilated or swollen blood vessel.
Most patients of Ataxia Telangiectasia show a recognizable degree of facial vein development before they reach the age of five years. Unlike some other facial veins that are very thick and have an obtuse shape, Ataxia Telangiectasia facial veins are comparatively smaller and don’t develop a dark coloration. The coloration of such facial veins can change a bit as the patient ages or due to external factors like weather conditions or internal causes like heightened levels of anxiety.
Prognosis and Managing Ataxia Telangiectasia
Very limited progress has been made in the prognosis of Ataxia Telangiectasia. As a result, most cases of this condition are discovered when the first symptoms of delayed physical development and facial veins are seen in the child. The current benchmarks of treatment aren’t aimed towards curing the condition, but for resolving the symptoms. This can be best understood as managing the symptoms of Ataxia Telangiectasia. For instance, facial veins can be eradicated to an appreciable extent using contemporary of laser-based cosmetic treatments.
