Childhood Neurological Disorders

 Understanding, Recognizing, and Addressing Pediatric challenges

Childhood neurological disorders include a wide range of conditions that can affect the nervous system development in children. These disorders manifest in a variety of ways. They can range from mild symptoms to severe impairments affecting a child's motor, cognitive or sensory functions.

Children's neurological disorders can affect both the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. These disorders can be caused either by unknown or genetic causes. These disorders can affect different aspects of a child’s development. Understanding the different types of disorders is essential for effective early intervention.

This blog provides a look at the world of neurological disorders in children, their common types, symptoms and the challenges they face.

Children Degenerative Neurological Diseases

Even though childhood degenerative neurologic disorders are relatively uncommon, their progressive nature poses significant challenges. The degeneration of nerve tissues or cells in the nervous system leads to a gradual decline in function. Early recognition of the symptoms and signs of degenerative disorders will allow for effective management. Here are the most common childhood neurological degenerative disorders.

Batten Disease

It is a grouping of disorders which cause the accumulation of lipopigments within the cells. This leads to a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.

Rett Syndrome

This genetic disorder, which primarily affects girls, is marked by loss of fine-motor skills, slow growth, and cognitive and social regression.

Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD)

MLD is an inherited metabolic disorder that causes a buildup of sulfatides within the nervous system. This leads to a decline in neurological function.

Niemann-Pick Disease

This is a grouping of inherited disorders characterized by the accumulation of lipids within cells. The resultant neurological impairments and other symptoms are common.

Tay-Sachs Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder caused by an inherited condition that causes the accumulation of gangliosides within the brain. This is most common in infants.

Krabbe Disease

It is a rare genetic condition that affects both the peripheral and central nervous systems. It causes demyelination.

Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease

This rare genetic disorder is characterized by abnormal development of myelin in the central nervous (CNS).

White Matter Disease

It is a genetic disorder that affects the white matter in the brain. Stress or illness can exacerbate the condition.

Leigh Syndrome

It is a severe neurological disorder, which usually appears in childhood. It is characterized as a progressive loss of motor function and cognitive ability.

Alexander Disease

It manifests as developmental delays and neurological symptoms.

The Most Common Pediatric Neurological Disorders

Pediatric neurological disorders are specifically targeted at the neurological needs of children. These disorders usually affect cognitive, motor or sensory functions and are most common in childhood or adolescence. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving outcomes and the quality of life of affected children.

Pediatric neurological disorders include a variety of conditions that can affect the nervous systems of children. These disorders affect the muscles, nerves and spinal cord and can manifest in various symptoms, such as developmental delays and motor impairments. Plexus uses a multidisciplinary treatment approach that includes physiotherapy and occupational therapy as well as cognitive behavioral therapy and speech and language therapy.

Below are some of the most common neurological disorders in children:

Epilepsy

The neurological disorder epilepsy is marked by recurrent seizures. Children of all ages can be affected by epilepsy, which is caused by a variety of factors including genetic predispositions, brain injuries, and infections.

Find out more about our Epilepsy Clinic.

Click here to learn more about stem cells therapy for epilepsy.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

PDD is a term used to describe a wide range of disorders. These are characterized by delays in communication and social skills, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism or autism spectrum disorders is the most common PDD. ASD is a neurological disorder characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviors, intense interests and adherence to routines.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a disorder of neurodevelopment that affects a child’s ability to control their impulses and regulate their hyperactivity.

Learn more about the early symptoms of ADHD.

Learn more about ADHD and its impact on school performance.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

HIE is an injury to the brain caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen deprivation (during pregnancy). Seizures, respiratory problems, and altered consciousness are all symptoms of HIE. It can cause long-term neurological problems, including cognitive impairment, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays.

Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)

The most common victims of PVL are premature infants. The white matter around the ventricles of the brain is damaged. PVL can also be caused by reduced blood flow in the brain, resulting from oxygen deprivation during birth. Symptoms include cognitive and motor impairments, as well developmental delays.

Learn more about PVL by clicking here.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is an umbrella term for a variety of motor disorders that are caused by brain damage. This causes problems with posture, movement and coordination. It is important to start physical and occupational therapies early in order to maximize functional abilities.

This is a comprehensive guide on cerebral palsy.

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome, also known as Tics, is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements. There is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, but various medications and therapies can manage symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Read more about other developmental disorders.

Pediatric Neurological Disorders

Here is a list of some of the common neurological disorders in children:

Neuroinflammatory Disorders

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering on nerve fibers.

Guillain Barre Syndrome is rare condition where the immune system attacks the nerves. This can lead to weakness or paralysis.

Encephalitis, or inflammation of the head, is usually caused by viral infection.

Transverse myelitis is an inflammation of the spinal column that leads to various neurological symptoms.

Neurogenetic Disorders

Huntington's Disease (HD) is a progressive disorder of the brain that is marked by uncontrolled movements and emotional problems. It also causes loss of cognitive ability.

The group of genetic disorders known as muscular dystrophy are characterized by muscle weakness and degeneration.

The genetic disorder neurofibromatosis causes tumors on nerve tissue.

Spinocerebellar ataxia refers to a group rare genetic disorders which affects coordination and balance.

Ataxia Telangiectasia, a rare genetic condition, is characterised both by progressive neurological impairment and immune system dysfunction. The presence of this disorder or its history increases cancer risk due to mutations of the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated gene (ATM).

Neurometabolic Disorders

Phenylketonuria is a genetic condition that affects the body's processing of an amino acid known as phenylalanine.

Gaucher Disease, a rare genetic condition that leads to the accumulation of fat substances in certain organs and cells.

Wilson's Disease (Wilson's Disease) is a genetic condition that causes copper accumulation in the liver and various other organs.

Neuromuscular Disorders

The disease is a progressive condition that affects nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain, causing muscle weakness and loss in control. It is a condition that affects the nervous system.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe muscular dystrophy affecting mainly boys, causes degeneration of muscles.

Myasthenia gravis causes muscle weakness in the face, neck and throat.

Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease (CMT), a grouping of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nervous system, can cause muscle weakness and wasting.

Pediatric Neurological Disorders symptoms

It is essential to know the symptoms of neurological disorders in children to help with early intervention and disorder management. The symptoms of pediatric neurological disorders vary according to the disorder, but the most common are listed below.

Seizures

Motor impairments

Cognitive impairments

Developmental delays

Behavioral challenges

Plexus Clinic for Childhood Disorders

Plexus empowers every child, regardless of neurological differences, to achieve their full potential.

Our multidisciplinary approach is tailored to treat the symptoms of childhood disorders and slow down their progression. Our multidisciplinary approach combines physical therapy, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, stem cell therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Parents and caregivers should be aware of the symptoms and take action as soon as they appear. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary treatment approach can make a huge difference to our children's quality of life.

Contact us to learn more about our Childhood Disorders clinic.

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