Identifiable causes of mental retardation include

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Mental retardation has a variety of causes, many of which are unidentifiable. The predisposing factors include heredity (inborn errors of metabolism, genetic disorders, or chromosomal abnormalities); early alterations of embryonic development (Down syndrome or damage from toxins); prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal conditions (prematurity, hypoxia, viral infections, or trauma); general medical conditions (infections, trauma, or poisoning); and environmental influences. Any condition that compromises the blood supply to the developing brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients, can result in neurologic damage and mental retardation. Some examples are placental insufficiency, cord or head compression during the perinatal period, failure to breathe at birth, premature birth, and viral infections in the mother in the prenatal period or in the infant or child after birth. Trauma of any type that causes hypoxia or anoxia may also contribute to the deficit. Fetal alcohol syndrome may also result in mental retardation.

Identifiable Causes of Mental Retardation Include