Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Published on: August 5, 2017
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: current state of diagnosis and treatment
Diego A Gomez1, Omar A Abdul-Rahman2
1Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona.
Purpose Of Review:
The purpose of this review is to describe recent findings on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and management of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Alcohol causes a range of physical, developmental, and cognitive impairments on the developing fetus. Individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally have a wide variability in dysmorphic and neurologic features. Hence, a greater understanding of the mechanisms through which alcohol induces defects in the developing fetus is imperative in developing therapies that prevent alcohol-induced effects.
Recent Findings:
Current research has focused on leveraging technology to developing tools that can aid in the diagnostic process, defining patterns of neurocognition and neuroimaging specific to FASD, developing neurobehavioral and pharmacologic interventions, and expanding access to care.
Summary:
FASDs are a common cause of neurodevelopmental impairment in school-age children, and their recognition is essential to provide early interventions in order to optimize the outcome for these individuals when they reach adulthood. Although previously thought to be the result of irreversible neurologic injury from prenatal alcohol exposure, recent evidence points to the benefits of applying principles regarding neuroplasticity in improving the lives for patients and their families.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
Intellectual Disability
Teratogenicity
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

