Neurological Disorders & Irritability in Children

Neurological disorders affect the body's nervous system, causing malfunctions within the brain and spinal cord. Neurological disorders may occur as the result of structural defects, tumors, trauma, infections, interrupted blood flow and degeneration. Irritability is a possible symptom of many different neurological disorders in older children.

Types

• Common neurological disorders found in children include neuromuscular disorders, sleep disorders, attention deficit disorders, learning disabilities, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy.

Time Frame

• Children may be born with congenital neurological disorders that become apparent to caregivers and physicians soon after birth. However, some children may develop neurological disorders later during childhood.

Effects

• The effects of a neurological disorder vary depending on what type of disorder is afflicting the child; however, irritability is a possible symptom of many different neurological disorders.

Identification

• If you suspect that your child has a neurological disorder, you should first consult a pediatrician who can then make referrals to a specialist, such as a neurologist, for further evaluation.

Treatments

• Some neurological disorders may be temporary and require short-term treatment while others may require indefinite treatment. Treatments may be adjusted as needed.