NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN: 7 COMMON CONDITIONS, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Neurological Disorders in children arise from disorders/ issues of the brain or nervous system, leading to mental or physical symptoms depending on which part of the brain or nervous system is affected.

The brain begins developing in the womb and continues to grow, reaching its mature size during infancy and adolescence. Any problem that hinders the normal process of brain development can lead to various neurological issues that begin in childhood and may persist longer if not addressed properly.

Neurological problems can have various causes, symptoms, and effects, all of which involve the nervous system, which controls everything in the body, including movement, vision, and hearing. The effects depend on the area of the brain that is damaged.

What Are Neurological Disorders in Children?

Neurological disorders in children affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, leading to developmental, cognitive, behavioral, sensory, or physical issues. These can stem from genetic factors, prenatal exposures, infections, injuries, or metabolic problems.

Common Neurological Disorders in Children

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Most common neurodevelopmental disorder
• Affects social interaction, communication, and behavior
• Signs may include:
  • Poor eye contact
  • No response to name
  • Speech delays or repetition (echolalia)
  • Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand flapping)
  • Lack of shared interest or joint attention
  • Difficulty with non-verbal communication (e.g., not pointing)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Characterized by:
  • Inattention
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity
• Affects academics, relationships, and self-esteem
• Signs may include:
  • Reduced brain activity during focus tasks
  • Emotional overload
  • Difficulty regulating behavior and attention

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

• A group of movement and posture disorders
• Caused by:
  • Brain damage before or during birth
  • Genetic factors
  • Prematurity
  • Oxygen deprivation during delivery
  • Affects balance, muscle tone, and coordination
• Signs may include:
  • Poor eye contact
  • No response to name
  • Speech delays or repetition (echolalia)
  • Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand flapping, lining up toys)
  • Lack of shared interest or joint attention
  • Difficulty with non-verbal communication (e.g., not pointing to ask for help)

Epilepsy

• Characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal brain activity
• Causes:
  • Genetics
  • Brain trauma
• Symptoms depend on brain area affected:
  • Motor: jerking in limbs or whole body
  • Sensory: tingling or hallucinations
  • Visceral: vomiting, sweating, bowel/bladder loss
  • Consciousness: brief unresponsiveness
• Can be outgrown in some children

Down Syndrome

• Genetic disorder caused by an extra chromosome 21
• Diagnosed during pregnancy via screening
• Common Symptoms include:
  • Flat facial profile, small head and ears, short neck
  • Protruding tongue, upward-slanting eyes, low muscle tone
  • Heart defects, GI issues, constipation
  • Vision/hearing problems, Alzheimer’s risk in later life
  • Often involves mild to moderate cognitive delays

Spina Bifida

• Birth defect causing improper spine/spinal cord development
• Often due to folic acid deficiency during early pregnancy
• Symptoms may include:
  • Weak/paralyzed legs
  • Bowel and urinary control issues
  • Loss of leg sensation (risk of burns/injury)
  • Hydrocephalus (fluid in brain)
  • Possible learning difficulties, though intelligence often normal

Muscular Dystrophy (MD)

• Group of genetic disorders causing muscle degeneration
• Muscle cells replaced by fat over time
• Symptoms may include:
  • Difficulty rising, climbing stairs, running, jumping
  • Frequent falls
  • Walking on toes or foot drop
  • Muscle stiffness, pain, and weakness
  • Waddling gait
  • Breathing trouble
  • Delayed growth and scoliosis
  • Learning disabilities

Causes of Neurological Disorders in Children

1. Genetic Factors: Inherited genetic mutations or abnormalities can lead to various neurological disorders, such as Down syndrome.
2. Prenatal Events:
   • Maternal Nutrition Deficiencies: Insufficient nutrition or deficiencies in essential nutrients, like folic acid, can disrupt brain and nervous system development.
   • Prenatal Hypoxia: Insufficient oxygen supply to the fetus, often caused by conditions like placental insufficiency, can damage brain development.
   • Maternal Health Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders can increase the risk of neurological issues in the child if not managed properly during pregnancy.
   • Medication Use: Certain medications (e.g., anti-seizure drugs, antibiotics, or teratogenic drugs) used during pregnancy can cause developmental or neurological problems.
3. Birth Complications: Issues such as oxygen deprivation during birth, birth trauma, or umbilical cord accidents can lead to neurological damage.
4. Infections: Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, cytomegalovirus) or during birth (e.g., bacterial or viral infections) can cause direct harm to the developing or newborn brain.
5. Autoimmune Issues: In some cases, autoimmune disorders, where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, can affect the nervous system and lead to neurological conditions.
6. Metabolic or Nutritional Problems: Metabolic disorders, such as phenylketonuria (PKU), or other biochemical imbalances, can affect brain function and lead to developmental delays or intellectual disabilities.
7. Environmental Toxins: Exposure to harmful substances, such as lead, mercury, pesticides, or air pollution, during pregnancy can increase the risk of neurological problems in the child.

Symptoms of Neurological Disorders in Children

The symptoms of neurological disorders in children can vary widely, but common signs include:

1. Developmental delays (e.g., delayed speech, motor skills)
2. Motor issues like weakness, tremors, or poor coordination
3. Seizures
4. Intellectual disabilities
5. Speech and language challenges
6. Sensory processing issues (e.g., heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory stimuli)
7. Behavioral and learning difficulties
8. Cognitive impairments (e.g., memory problems, attention issues)
9. Dyslexia: A learning disability that affects reading and language processing.

Diagnosis of Neurological Disorders

Diagnosis typically involves a pediatric neurologist gathering a detailed medical history, assessing developmental milestones, performing a neurological exam, and ordering tests such as MRI, CT scans, EEG, or genetic screenings.

Treatment of Neurological Disorders

Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include:

• Medications to manage symptoms like seizures or spasticity
• Therapies (e.g., physical, occupational, speech, behavioral) to support development
• Surgery in some cases (e.g., for epilepsy or brain abnormalities)
• Supportive services like special education programs and assistive devices

Treatment aims to manage symptoms, improve function, and enhance quality of life for the child and their family.

Reference: CHS