HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Tongue Protrusion A Cause For Concern In An Infant?

default
Posted on Tue, 3 Jan 2017
Question: My 14 month old grandson almost always has his tongue protruding. He is advanced in meeting milestones...walked at 9 months, drank from a sippy cup at 10 months, is starting to form words, can climb a few stairs, can wave by, throws and tries to catch balls. However because of the tongue their pediatrician is testing him for mosaic Down syndrome. Is it possible to have this and still be on target developmentally?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on Health care magic.

I have gone through your query and have checked the attached image. First of all, he neither seems to have a small mouth nor a large tongue. It is just that he prefers to keep his mouth and tongue exposed. This is different from a protruding tongue seen in cretinism, hypothyroidism or Down. It is ok to get him screened for mosaic Down. Medical science is a domain where myriad things are possible but that does not mean they are likely. So, if you rather ask me about the likelihood, I would say that it is less likely for him to have been developmentally ahead if that had been the case.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Pediatrician
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Is Tongue Protrusion A Cause For Concern In An Infant?

Brief Answer: Unlikely Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on Health care magic. I have gone through your query and have checked the attached image. First of all, he neither seems to have a small mouth nor a large tongue. It is just that he prefers to keep his mouth and tongue exposed. This is different from a protruding tongue seen in cretinism, hypothyroidism or Down. It is ok to get him screened for mosaic Down. Medical science is a domain where myriad things are possible but that does not mean they are likely. So, if you rather ask me about the likelihood, I would say that it is less likely for him to have been developmentally ahead if that had been the case. Regards