Neurological Disorders in Children: Common Conditions and Available Treatments

Dr.Harsh Bhardwaj, 4 mins read

Neurological disorders occur due to problems in the brain or nervous system. This causes physical or psychological symptoms depending on which part of the brain is affected. 

These disorders can affect anyone, but few are present during the early years of development. Children with any neurological disorder can either be born with it or acquire it later in life due to an infection or traumatic injury. 

Autism, headaches, epilepsy, dyspraxia, cerebral palsy and ADHD are a few of the neurological conditions common among children. Let’s discuss in detail about them:

Common neurological disorders in children with their available treatment

• Epilepsy

This is a chronic condition that can affect people of all ages. It is characterised by the occurrence of multiple seizures. A seizure occurs due to a excessive electrical discharge in brain cells and may occur anytime during the life span. Its treatment and management involve medications, diet modification, and in some refractory cases, surgery is required.

• Cerebral Palsy

It is another neurological disorder that causes problems with normal motor function. Children with this condition experience issues with body movement, reflexes, balance, posture, coordination and muscle control.

There is no medical treatment available that can completely cure it. But this can be managed. A doctor may recommend medications, physical and occupational therapy and assistive devices like braces to help the child.

• Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is also known as developmental coordination disorder. This condition makes the child appear uncoordinated and clumsy compared to normal children of the same age group. These children often bump into things and drop and break things. They also have difficulty with basic motor skills, like eating with a spoon or using a pencil. 

Its treatment focuses on identifying the skills the child is struggling with. Then, the therapist or doctor breaks those skills into easier and small steps and helps the child practise them.  This is done to help children build stronger motor skills.

• Autism
  

This neurological condition is explained as a developmental disability that can affect a child’s communication, social skills and behaviour. Along with this, a kid may move in unusual ways, do the same thing again and again and experience trouble dealing with crowds, loud noise and bright lights. Because of this, a child faces difficulty in understanding the world around them. 

There is no cure for autism. Rather, supportive therapies and a personalised treatment approach can help your child feel better. In some cases, if all things are managed properly, certain symptoms may also go away.

• Headaches
  

Most headaches are usually primary and are not a sign of any underlying neurological disorder. However, you should pay attention to your child and if he experiences a headache along with symptoms like reduced alertness, clumsiness, vomiting, then you should consult a doctor and immediately.

• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
  

It is one of the common neurodevelopmental disorders in kids that can even continue till adolescence. Children with this disease are often labelled as naughty due to the symptoms they show, like daydreaming and forgetfulness. These children are less attentive and unable to control their impulses. Because of this, they face difficulty completing a task and often get distracted.  

Its treatment involves improving the child’s symptoms so that he can perform better at home and school. Doctors usually recommend behavioural therapy and ADHD medications. 

• Dyslexia
  

It is a learning disorder in which the child experiences trouble reading, spelling words and comprehending written messages. You can work with a specialist who will use different teaching methods to help your child learn how to spell, read and manage the condition. 

Treatment

Each neurological disorder presents itself differently in each individual. Some can be treated, while others can only be managed. Early diagnosis is very important in these conditions to prevent worsening of symptoms. If your child is showing any unusual symptoms, talk to a doctor. 

Also, Read: Managing Multiple Sclerosis