Childhood Neurological Disorders

Understanding Pediatric Challenges, Recognizing them, and Addressing Them

Childhood neurological diseases encompass a spectrum of conditions which affect the developing nervous system. These disorders may manifest as mild symptoms or severe impairments in the cognitive, motor, and sensory functions of a child.

Childhood neurological disorders are conditions that affect the nervous systems of both children's central and periphery. They may be caused by genetic or environmental factors, as well as unknown causes. Typically, these disorders have a variety of effects on a child’s neurological development. To ensure early intervention is effective, it's vital to know the nature of these disorders.

This blog will give you a peek into the worlds of childhood neurologic disorders. You'll learn about the types most commonly seen, the symptoms they present, and the challenges their families face.

Childhood Degenerative Neurological disorders

Although degenerative neurological disorders in childhood are rare, the fact that they progress poses a challenge. These disorders are characterized by the progressive degeneration of nervous tissue or nerve cells, resulting in a decline in functionality over time. Identifying degenerative disorders at an early stage will help to develop effective management strategies. These are some common childhood neurological disorders.

Batten Disease

This is a collection of disorders that cause the accumulation in cells of lipopigments. It can lead to progressive neurological decline.

Rett Syndrome

A genetic disorder that affects mainly girls, it is characterized by loss in fine motor skills and slow growth as well as cognitive regression.

Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD)

MLD is a metabolic disorder inherited by the patient. It causes an accumulation of sulfatides to accumulate in the nervous systems, leading to a neurological decline.

Niemann-Pick Disease

This refers a group inherited disorders which cause the buildup lipids in cell, resulting in neuropathy and a wide range of symptoms.

Tay-Sachs Disease

An inherited disease that leads to neurodegeneration in children, especially during infancy, due to an accumulation of gangliosides.

Krabbe Disease

This is an uncommon genetic disorder which affects the central nervous system and peripheral nerve systems. It causes demyelination.

Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease

This is a rare X linked genetic disorder that is characterized by abnormal growth of myelin within the central nervous system.

White Matter Disease

This genetic disorder affects the brain's white matter, causing neurological damage that is worsened by stress and illness.

Leigh Syndrome

A severe neurological disease that usually develops during childhood. The disorder is characterized by a progressive loss in motor and cognition function.

Alexander Disease

Rare genetic disorder that affects primarily the CNS and manifests as developmental delay and neurological symptoms.

Common Pediatric Neurological Disorders

Pediatric neurological diseases are disorders that target children's unique needs. These disorders are usually diagnosed in early childhood or adolescence and affect sensory, cognitive or motor functions. It is important to diagnose and treat children as early as possible in order to maximize their chances of success and improve their quality-of-life.

Children's neurological disorders encompass a range of conditions which affect their nervous system. These disorders can affect brain, spinal chord, nerves, and muscle, manifesting as various symptoms like seizures, motor impairments, and developmental delays. Plexus takes a multidisciplinary approach, involving physiotherapy as well cognitive behavioral therapy. We also use speech and Language therapy.

Here are a few of the most common neurologic disorders that affect children.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy can be characterized as a neurological disease characterized with recurrent seizure. It can affect people of any age and is often caused by different factors such as genetic predisposition or brain injury.

Read more about our Epilepsy Clinic.

Find out more here about stem cell therapies for epilepsy.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

PDD, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder, is a broad term that covers a variety of disorders. They are often characterized by social and communication delays, restricted interests, repetitive behaviours, and a lack of interest.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The most commonly known PDD is Autism Spectrum Disorder. ASD is an ASD that is characterized as a neurodevelopmental disorders with challenges in communication.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is an underlying neurodevelopmental disorder which affects a person's ability focus, control their impulses, or regulate their hyperactivity.

Click here to learn more about ADHD's early signs.

Find out more about ADHD in the classroom.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

HIE (Head Injury in Early Childhood) is a brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation, as well as a reduced blood supply. Seizures are common, as well as respiratory problems and altered awareness. It can result in long-term disorders of the nervous system, such as cerebral paralysis, cognitive impairment and developmental delays.

Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)

A type of brain injury, PVL most commonly occurs in premature infants. Damage to white matter in the vicinity of the brain's ventricles causes it. It is also associated with reduced blood circulation to the brain at birth, which results in oxygen deprivation. Its symptoms are motor and cognitive impairment as well as delays in development.

Click here to learn more about PVL.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of motor disorder caused by damage in the developing brain. The result is difficulty with movement, posture and coordination. Early intervention through physical and occupational therapy can optimize functional abilities.

Here is a guide to cerebral Palsy.

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome (also known as tics) is a neurological disease characterized repetitive, involuntary vocalizations or movements. While there is currently no cure for the condition, various therapies and medication can be used to manage symptoms and enhance quality of living.

For more information on other developmental disorders, click here.

Pediatric Neurological Disorders

Below are some of most common pediatric neurologic disorders.

Neuroinflammatory Disorders

MS, also called Multiple Sclerosis (MS), is a demyelinating auto-immune disease where the immune system attacks nerve fibers' protective covering.

Guillain Barre is a rare disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its nerves. The result can be weakness and paralysis.

Encephalitis can be defined as an inflammation of brain tissue, usually caused by viral infections.

Transverse Myelitis can be characterized as an Inflammation in the spinal cord that causes various neurological signs and symptoms.

Neurogenetic disorders

Huntington's Disease affects the brain and is characterized by uncontrolled movement, emotional problems and a loss of mental ability.

A group of genetic diseases characterized with progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.

A genetic disorder, neurofibromatosis can cause tumors to develop on nerve tissues.

Spinocerebellar Ataxis is one of a few rare genetic disorders that gradually affects coordination, balance and motor skills.

Ataxia Telangiectasia a rare disorder with progressive neurological impairments and immune system dysfunction. This disorder can also increase the risk of developing cancer due to mutations within the ATM gene.

Neurometabolic Disorders

Phenylketonuria or PKU is a disorder of the genetic nature that affects your body's ability process phenylalanine, an amino-acid.

Gaucher Disease is an uncommon genetic disorder which causes the accumulation fatty substances inside cells and in certain organs.

Wilson's Disease causes an accumulation of copper in the liver, kidneys and other tissues.

Neuromuscular Disorders

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in children is a progressive, degenerative disease that affects nerves cells within the brain and spine. This causes muscle weakness and a loss of control. It is a degenerative condition.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy affects mostly boys and results in muscle degeneration.

Myasthenia GRAVIS is a disorder that causes weakness, primarily in the face or throat.

Charcot-Marietooth Disease (CMT), also known as Charcot-Marietooth Syndrome, is a group inherited disorders which affect the peripheral neurons and cause muscle weakness.

Pediatric Neurological Disorders: Symptoms

To facilitate early intervention, and to manage disorders effectively, it is vital to understand the symptoms associated with pediatric neurological disorders. The symptoms will vary depending on which disorder you have, but here are the most common:

Seizures

Motor impairments

Cognitive impairments

Developmental delays

Behavioral challenges

Plexus Clinic on Childhood Disorders

Plexus empowers children with neurological differences to achieve their fullest potential.

We provide multidisciplinary solutions to help manage symptoms and stop the progression. Our approach combines physical, occupational, speech, and language therapies, stem cells therapy exposure therapy cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), sensory integrative therapy (at sensory park), and other approaches.

We encourage parents to pay attention to the symptoms, keep track of their progress and choose early intervention if they are present. Early diagnosis combined with a multidisciplinary strategy can be incredibly beneficial to the health and well-being our children.

Reach out to us for more information about our Childhood disorders clinic.

WhatsApp +91 98448 42087

Call +91 781 64668 in Hyderabad

A highly regarded neurologist and stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq studied neurology and clinical neurophysiology in London before working with some of England’s and the Middle East’s most prestigious medical institutions. He completed his MBBS