Which Disorder Is Daddy Long Suffering From? (Marfan Syndrome: MFS)
By
PsychReel
In this blog, we will discuss Daddy Long Neck and Marfan syndrome (MFS), we will be exploring who is Daddy Long Neck, the reason why he became famous, what is Marfan Syndrome, its causes, symptoms, and causes.
Which Disorder Is Daddy Long Suffering From? (Marfan Syndrome: MFS)
Daddy Long Neck is suffering from Marfan Syndrome which makes his neck appear longer than what is considered normal. This is due to his genetic condition MFS which makes his limbs appear really long and slender.
Let us explore it in detail in further sections.
Who is Daddy Long Neck?
Daddy Long Neck is a social nickname for David Samuelson Jr who was born on 15 September 1999, in Flint, Michigan, USA. He rose to fame when his dancing video went viral on a hip-hop website. It was uploaded by YouTuber Michael McCrudden.
He gained additional followers later in July 2018 when he launched Twitter and Instagram accounts. People were immediately drawn to him because of his odd appearance, which is the result of a rare genetic disorder that prevents him from gaining weight.
Later that year, he partnered with Charles McDowell, also known as Wide Neck, another internet sensation. They collaborated on a few rap tunes that became viral sensations.
David Samuelson has various aliases and nicknames, including The Neckst Big Thing, Damn Long Neck, and Long Neck Kid, in addition to his father’s long neck. David Samuelson has Marfan syndrome (MFS), which is a genetic autosomal ailment that affects roughly 1 in 5,000-10,000 people worldwide.
This illness causes people to be unable to gain weight and to have extended legs, fingers, arms, and necks. He was extremely thin as a child, and his health was rapidly worsening; to manage and treat this, physicians put a unique tube into his nose, allowing his body to get the nutrients it needs.
He had to wear the tube for five years until his health became normal. He also had to wear 2 tubes at a point because his health became very poor and he needed the extra support.
Daddy long neck and music
David Samuelson became a rapper and says that music really helped him through his feelings of insecurity and it was also to escape from the bullies. No matter how thin and slender he looks, he is healthy as of now and is living his life with close friends and family and supporting each other.
What is Marfan Syndrome?
When someone has Marfan syndrome, the connective tissue in numerous sections of the body is compromised. Ligaments, blood arteries, bones, heart valves, and muscles all benefit from connective tissue, which is one of our body’s most common components.
The indications and symptoms of Marfan syndrome vary greatly depending on when it first appears, how quickly it progresses, and how severe it is. Because connective tissue is located all over the body, being afflicted by this illness can have a wide range of consequences, including problems in the blood vessels, bones, heart, eyes, and joints.
The two major characteristics of Marfan syndrome are problems with vision caused by a dislocated lens (called ectopia lentis) in one or both eyes and defects in the aorta whose role is to distribute blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
The complications can be that the aorta could weaken and stretch, which leads to a bulge in the blood vessel wall. This is called an aneurysm. Aortic valve leak, which leads to a sudden tearing of the layers in the aorta wall; called the aortic dissection, may occur due to the stretching.
Aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm are both life-threatening conditions. The majority of patients with Marfan syndrome also have other heart issues, such as a leak in the valve that links two of the heart’s four chambers. Shortness of breath, an erratic heartbeat, and weariness can all be symptoms of valve leaks.
People with MFS are generally slender and tall. They have fingers and toes which are elongated (called: arachnodactyly), joints that are loose, and can also have their arm span exceeding that of their body height.
A long and narrow face, teeth that are crowded, an abnormal curvature of the spine, stretch marks that are not due to weight gain or loss (striae), and may either have a sunken chest (pectus excavatum) or a chest that is protruding called pectus carinatum. Let us now summarize the symptoms or diagnostic features of Marfan syndrome.
Symptoms of Marfan Syndrome
The symptoms of Marfan syndrome can be very different from one person to another, even among members of the same family. This is because the disorder can manifest in so many different areas of the body. Some people only have mild effects, but others may develop complications that can be life-threatening.
Marfan syndrome features may include:
- The physical build may be tall and slender.
- Myopia (nearsightedness).
- A curved spine in an abnormal way.
- Arched palate which can be quite high and teeth which are crowded.
- Heart issues and murmurs.
- The feet may seem quite flat.
- arms, legs, and fingers can be disproportionately long.
- Presence of stretch marks, regardless of weight loss or weight gain.
Causes and risk factors of MFS
Marfan syndrome is caused by a change in the gene that controls the production of fibrillin in the body, an important part of connective tissue that makes it strong and elastic.
Most cases of Marfan syndrome are inherited from a parent.
This happens equally to men and women, who have a 50% risk of passing the gene on to their children. In about 25 percent of people with the syndrome, genes have changed with no clear cause.
It is known to affect one in 5,000 -10,000 Americans regardless of ethnic background and race.
Treatment of MFS
Although there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, treatment focuses on preventing the disease’s numerous consequences. To do so, you’ll need to be monitored on a frequent basis for indicators that the disease’s damage is worsening.
In the past, many persons with Marfan syndrome died early. Most persons with Marfan syndrome can expect a more typical lifetime with regular monitoring and up-to-date therapy.
If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.
Medications are typically used to assist reduce blood pressure and preventing aorta enlargement. The risk of rupture and dissection is reduced as a result.
Surgical procedures such as aortic repair, breastbone correction, Scoliosis treatment, and eye surgeries.
Lifestyle with Marfan Syndrome
Activity
Many people with MFS can enjoy physical activity or recreational activities. If you have a large aorta, you should avoid high-intensity team sports and contact sports, as well as isometric exercises like weightlifting. Do you have any questions about your health or what you should and shouldn’t do? Please ask your cardiologist for proper directions through this.
Pregnancy
Since MFS down through the generations, persons who are at risk should get genetic counseling before getting pregnant. Marfan syndrome-affected pregnant women are likewise classified as high-risk instances.
The risk of dissection is reduced, but not eliminated if the aorta is of normal size. Those who have even slight dilation are at greater risk, and the stress of pregnancy might cause the dilation to speed up.
During pregnancy, you should be closely monitored, including frequent blood pressure checks and monthly echocardiograms. If there are signs that your aorta is rapidly expanding, you may be put on bed rest.
Endocarditis prevention
People with MFS who have heart or valve involvement or have undergone heart surgery may be at increased risk of bacterial endocarditis. It is basically an infection of the heart valve or tissue after the bacteria enter the bloodstream. To prevent this, antibiotics may be taken before dentistry or surgery.
Emotional considerations
When you find out you have MFS, you may feel angry, afraid, or sad. You may need to change your lifestyle and adjust to having careful medical follow-up for the rest of your life. You may have financial concerns. You must also consider the risk to your future children.
Conclusion
We discussed the disorder/condition that Daddy Long Neck is suffering from and also discussed various aspects of MFS like living with MFS, treatment of MFS, etc. We also discussed how Daddy Long Neck gained his popularity and became famous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Which Disorder Is Daddy Long Suffering From? (Marfan Syndrome: MFS)
How old is Daddy long neck?
Daddy long neck was born in the year 1999. He is almost 22 years old now.
Why is my neck so long and skinny?
Undeveloped neck and shoulder muscles give a long-necked appearance. A nonmuscular neck is a thin tube that appears to be longer.
What is the life expectancy of a person with Marfan syndrome?
If left untreated, people with Marfan syndrome have very low tolerance and they may even die if proper care is not available.
What is Noonan syndrome?
Some newborns are born with a disorder known as Noonan syndrome. It causes facial and chest abnormalities, as well as cardiac difficulties and a minor increase in the incidence of leukemia in children.
Name famous people who have or had Marfan syndrome
Abraham Lincoln, Tutankhamen, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelp, Julius Caesar, etc,
Can someone with Marfan syndrome have children?
People with this condition can have children but there is always a 50 percent chance that the baby will have the disorder too even if one parent is suffering from the condition
References
Cañadas, V., Vilacosta, I., Bruna, I., & Fuster, V. (2010). Marfan syndrome. Part 1: pathophysiology and diagnosis. Nature reviews. Cardiology, 7(5), 256–265. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2010.30
Chaffins J. A. (2007). Marfan syndrome. Radiologic technology, 78(3), 222–239.
Pyeritz, R. E., & Loeys, B. (2012). The 8th international research symposium on Marfan syndrome and related conditions. American journal of medical genetics. Part A, 158A(1), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.34386
