Children's Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders are those conditions that affect the brain's ability to regulate primary body functions such as movemenet, behavior and thought. Neurological disorders may be mild or severe, depending on what part of the brain is affected. Some neurological disorders may be present at birth while others may occur as the result of a brain tumor or serious illness such as meningitis.

Epilepsy

• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that occurs when the brain's neurons misfire, causing symptoms such as tremors, convulsions and unconsciousness.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is neurological disorder than affects a child's ability to sustain attention, control impulses and manage activity levels.

Cerebral Palsy

• Cerebral palsy is a condition that occurs as a result of a brain injury that occurs either before or shortly after birth. Cerebral palsy affects muscle coordination and strength.

Multiple Sclerosis

• Typically, multiple sclerosis is considered an adult condition; however, children are sometimes affected by multiple sclerosis. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis in children include double vision, vision impairment, muscle weakness, clumsiness, tingling sensations and numbness.

Sleep Disorders

• Children may have neurological disorders that affect sleep. Sleep disorders include sleep apnea, narcolepsy and sleepwalking.

Autism

• Autism is a neurological disorder that affects approximately 1 in every 150 children. Autism affects a child's ability to communicate and interact socially.