Pediatric Neurological Disorders

The nervous system is made up of two different subsystems: the central and peripheral nervous system. A neurological disorder occurs when there is damage to either system.

Significance

• The nervous system is vulnerable to a wide range of problems, ranging from ADHD to epilepsy to spina bifida. The National Institute for Child Health and Development (NICHD) writes that when onset begins in childhood, the disorders express themselves differently, have long-term consequences and carry high risk of secondary disabilities.

Symptoms

• According to University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio, some common red flags include "delays in reaching developmental milestones, unusual increase or lack of growth in head size, unusual lack of coordination, sudden or shifting changes in consciousness or mood, muscle rigidity, tremors or seizures." Headaches, loss of feeling, muscle weakness, disorientation, memory loss, convulsions or muscle spasms are other examples.

Causes

• University Hospitals reports the main causes of some neurological disorders as congenital (acquired before birth) or due to "trauma, infections, tumors, disrupted blood flow, degeneration or structural defects" directly related to the nervous system.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing the specific neurological disorder is complicated, writes the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, as "many disorders do not have definitive causes, markers or tests." CAT scans, EEGs, MRIs, PET scans, spinal taps and ultrasounds are examples of tests your pediatrician or specialist may call for.

Test Preparation

• For infants and small children, a favorite item such as a pacifier, stuffed animal or blanket can be of great comfort when tests are ordered. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recommends with small and older children to be honest about what to expect and to assure them you'll be with them whenever possible.