Infant Neurological Disorders

In the first few months of birth, babies are closely monitored for any abnormalities that could be cause for greater concern. During this crucial stage of development in a baby's life, symptoms of various neurological disorders can become apparent and hopefully be diagnosed soon enough for proper treatment.

Neonatal Seizures Syndrome

• Neonatal seizures syndrome is a condition which occurs in the first two months of life. The incidence of seizures is at its highest in the first year of life and does not start decreasing until approximately 4 years of age. Seizures can be caused by birth trauma, fever, metabolic imbalances or can be congenital.

Leukodystrophy

• Leukodystrophy is a condition in which the brain does not develop enough myelin in the brain. Myelin is the natural insulator of nerves and transmitters in the brain; nerves malfunction or die without it. Most cases begin in the infancy years and are caused by a genetic defect.

Neurofibromatosis

• Neurofibromatosis is a genetic condition that often becomes apparent between infancy and 10 years of age. In this condition, the growth of nerve cells is affected and tumors can form on cranial nerves. Skin changes and bone deformities are also symptoms of this disorder.

Intraventricular Hemorrhage

• Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a condition in which there is bleeding in the areas of the brain that contain cerebral spinal fluid. IVH occurs within the first three days of life and is most common in babies with very low birth weight or those that are premature. This condition can lead to severe damage to nerve cells resulting in brain injury.

Stroke

• A stroke is a condition in which blood supply is cut off from the brain, which results in the death of tissue and the loss of brain functions. When they occur in newborns, strokes often lead to neurological disorders like cerebral palsy and epilepsy.