7. Vision and Hearing Problems: Dimmed Senses
The world, in all its vibrant colors and sounds, becomes a shadowed place for some children with Leigh’s Syndrome. These sensory impairments, although not the most commonly discussed symptom, play a crucial role in the child’s overall quality of life.
Vision issues often manifest first. Parents might observe their child squinting more often, struggling to track moving objects, or experiencing difficulty in distinguishing colors. These are not the typical challenges of a toddler trying to make sense of their surroundings. They’re early indicators of the neurological impact Leigh’s Syndrome has on vision pathways.
Hearing impairments often follow suit. The child who once danced to a lullaby might now show indifference to these tunes.
They might not respond to calls or show signs of agitation due to an inability to comprehend auditory inputs. This sensory deprivation not only affects their ability to connect with their environment but also poses challenges in communication, learning, and social interactions. (7)
