There are many potential causes of mental retardation. The causes can be categorized into a few categories. Diseases like HIV, meningitis, listeriosis, encephalitis, congenital toxoplasmosis, congenital rubella and congenital CMV present before or occurring after birth can cause mental retardation.Toxins like alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines and other drugs the mother consumes while pregnant can also be the causes.
Iodine deficiency is the most prevalent cause of mental retardation, as it effects brain development, it can lead to hypothyroidism.
Causes of Mental Retardation?
Mental retardation is a complex condition which may be caused by the interaction of several factors. In about 75 % of cases the exact region is never known. Causes of mental retardation involved defects in the genesor chromosomes injuries or conditions that create an develop while a fetusis developing in the womb diseases of early childhood and environmental influences. The three major problem of mental retardation are Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and fragile X.There are various known causes of mental retardation:
- Various genetic disorders like Down’s Syndrome
- Certain maternal infections (rubella)during pregnancy
- Alcohol abuse during pregnancy
- Certain psycho social
- Drug abuse during pregnancy
- Maternal exposure to environmental chemicals
