Anatomico-radiological study of asymmetrical articular facets on occipital condyles and its clinical implications.

The articular facets on the inferior aspect of the occipital condyles, articulate with the superior articular facets of the first cervical (atlas) vertebra, to form the atlanto-occipital joint. The present case, reports the asymmetrical dimensions of the facets on the occipital condyles of a human dried skull. The anatomico-radiological study of asymmetrical articular facets on the occipital condyles, may be helpful for academicians, neuro-surgeons, clinicians and radiologists in day to day clinical practice.

Unusual clinical features of foetal alcohol syndrome.

Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a collection of signs and symptoms seen in children of women who consume alcohol during pregnancy. With the increasing incidence of FAS, there is a great variation of its clinical features different from that described in the standard textbooks. This article aims to report on the unusual clinical features of FAS. It also aims to explain the mechanism of action of alcohol as a teratogenic agent.

A review of experimental evidences that could warn of possible dangers of alcohol consumption by pregnant mothers.

Most of the features of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) have been replicated in experimental models. They provide an insight into the effects of alcohol on the developing embryo, however, satisfactory explanations for these effects are still not available. Certain maternal characteristics of children with FAS have been identified. However, it is not absolute as at times the most unlikely women are susceptible to problems of maternal alcoholism. The levels of awareness of FAS among the general public and health workers are inadequate. Measures need to be taken to remedy this condition.

An analysis of the teratagenic effects that could possibly be due to alcohol consumption by pregnant mothers.

It can be concluded that alcohol is definitely harmful to the developing fetus. The effect can manifest in various ways, the most extreme of which is a condition called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The diagnosis of maternal alcoholism leading onto cases of FAS is difficult due to absence of accurate diagnostic tests. The diagnosis of FAS in a child is easier by a proper examination. There is no specific treatment of FAS in a child. The only management is by institution of corrective and rehabilitative measures. The exact mechanism of the teratogenic action of alcohol is not known. It is probably due to the harmful effect of alcohol on the epiblast layer of the bilaminar germ disc. In the absence of adequate knowledge regarding FAS, not much can be done to remedy the deleterious effects of alcohol. Hence, a word of advice to all pregnant women is to avoid drinking during pregnancy.