Every parent worries about the health of their child. After all, the child cannot fully realize the seriousness of the situation, cannot fully take care of themself and bear full responsibility. For this, the parent must take care of the child for most of their life until adulthood or full maturation.
Children, like adults, are susceptible to various neurological diseases. Diseases can lead to limb pain, impaired speech and coordination, headaches, anxiety, restlessness, depression, and sleep disturbance.
A timely diagnosis can not only improve the course of treatment and put the child on their feet but also prevent possible severe consequences for the child. So, they may not be able to withstand this due to their young age.
Our article will be a helpful checklist for parents. They can pay attention to 10 signs of neurological disorders in a child and prevent future health problems.
What Is a Neurological Disorder?
A neurological disorder in children is any disorder of the nervous system. Structural, biochemical, or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord, or other nerves can result in various symptoms. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain, and altered levels of consciousness.
There are many different types of neurological disorders in children. Some of them cause genetic abnormalities, while others can be the result of infections or exposure to toxins, and others can occur as a result of degenerative processes. Some diseases are present at birth, while others develop later in life. Many neurological disorders have no known cause.
10 Signs of Neurological Disorders Parents Should Watch Out
As a parent, you are responsible for being aware of the signs and symptoms of neurological disorders in your children. Although these disorders are rare, they can seriously impact a child’s quality of life. Here are 10 signs of neurological disorders in babies that parents should watch out for.
1. Abnormal Movements or Muscle Twitching
One of the common signs is the unnatural movement of the limbs or the twitching of the body’s muscles. If you notice this in your child, you should seek the help of a doctor, as the situation may worsen.
2. Seizures or Convulsions
If you experience sudden convulsing or have a seizure, you should immediately seek medical attention to improve your child’s condition.
3. Difficulty Speaking or Swallowing
During a conversation with a child, you may notice that they stutter, their speech is incoherent and slow, and their words are difficult to understand. In this case, you need to take care of the health of your child and contact a neurologist. Also, a similar symptom of neurological disorder will be a problem in swallowing both saliva and food and other liquids.
4. Weakness or Paralysis in One or More Limbs
If your child complains that they have impaired sensation in any limb and cannot control it normally, you should hear this wake-up call. If nothing has gone away after a short time, you should seek help.
5. Difficulty with Coordination or Balance
If your children fall frequently, are unable to stand steadily, and have a lot of difficulty with simple coordination tests, they should get professional help from a doctor. This sign is one of the most critical that says your baby has a neurological disorder.
6. Headaches or Migraines
If your first aid kit is constantly running out of headache pills, and your child suffers from this problem, they most likely have a neurological disorder that should be properly treated. In addition, constant migraines and headaches will negatively affect their general condition, mood, school performance, and life.
Read about the difference between headaches and migraines in our other article.
7. Persistent Pain in One Area of the Body
If your child constantly complains of pain in the same place in their body, you should take control of the situation and be sure to consult with your doctor to rule out a neurological disorder.
8. Numbness or Tingling in One or More Limbs
This sign is similar to the feeling when you can lie on your arm for a long time. However, the critical factor is that the tingling and numbness in the limb occur independently in case of neurological disorder.
9. Loss of Consciousness or Fainting Spells
The loss of consciousness of your child is, in any case, a reason to worry about their condition, as this signals overload in their body. Also, the case of neurological disorders is not an exception. Therefore, in this case, the help of a doctor is crucial.
10. Behavioral Changes or Mood Swings
If your child changes mood every five minutes, their behaviour patterns are constantly changing, do not think it’s adolescence. A neurological disorder is likely developing in their body, which should be diagnosed and treated.
What Can Cause Neurological Disorders in Children
Neurological disorders can be devastating for both the child and the family. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for the best possible outcome. There are many different causes of neurological disorders in children. Here are some of the most common:
- Genetic Disorders. A genetic disorder is one of the most common causes of neurological disorders in children. These disorders are usually passed down from the parents to the child. Some genetic conditions that can cause neurological problems include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and autism.
- Infections. Certain infections can also lead to neurological problems in children. For example, meningitis is a severe infection that can lead to permanent brain damage. Other infections linked to neurological issues include rubella, cytomegalovirus, and HIV.
- Trauma. Trauma to the head or neck can also cause neurological problems in children. This trauma can occur during birth, from a fall, or from a car accident. Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most common causes of neurological disorders in children.
If your child is showing signs of a neurological disorder, it is important to seek medical help immediately. For the greatest result, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Many kids with neurological problems can have happy, healthy lives with the right care.
How Neurological Disorders in Children Are Diagnosed
Neurological disorders can be challenging to diagnose in children. Some diseases, such as autism, reveal themselves in behaviour. While other disorders like cerebral palsy change movement patterns.
But many neurological disorders cannot be diagnosed by behaviour or movement alone. In these cases, doctors often rely on imaging tests, genetic tests, and other diagnostic tools to confirm a diagnosis.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests can diagnose many neurological disorders in children. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scans are two imaging tests often used to diagnose neurological disorders. MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to create brain and nervous system images. CT scans use X-rays to create detailed brain and nervous system images. These images can often help doctors identify abnormalities in the brain that may be causing a child’s symptoms of neurological disorder.
Genetic Tests
Genetic tests can also diagnose neurological disorders in children. Genetic tests help to look for changes in a person’s genes or chromosomes that may be causing their symptoms. Changes in genes or chromosomes cause many neurological disorders. Genetic testing can often help doctors confirm a diagnosis of a neurological disorder.
Other Diagnostic Tools
In some cases, doctors may also use other diagnostic tools to diagnose neurological disorders in children. These tools may include:
- EEG (electroencephalography): This test measures electrical activity in the brain. EEGs can often help doctors diagnose epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
- NCV (nerve conduction velocity): This test measures how well nerves conduct electrical signals. NCVs can often help doctors diagnose nerve damage or problems with the nervous system.
- EMG (electromyography): This test measures muscle activity. EMGs can often help doctors diagnose muscle diseases or problems with the nervous system.
There are many different ways that doctors can diagnose neurological disorders in children. A combination of these methods is necessary in many cases to make a definitive diagnosis. If your child shows signs of a neurological disorder, talk to your doctor about which diagnostic methods may suit your child.
Bottom Line
There are many warning signs of neurological disorders in children. If you notice any of these signs in your child, it is important to consult with a medical professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in the long-term prognosis of children with neurological disorders.
FAQs
- What are the most common neurological disorders in children?
The most common neurological disorders in children include:
- ADHD.
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Epilepsy.
- Tourette’s syndrome.
- How are neurological disorders diagnosed in children?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the diagnostic process will vary depending on the specific disorder. However, the process may generally involve a combination of medical history review, physical examination, brain imaging, and neuropsychological testing.
- How do neurological disorders start?
The precise cause of most neurological disorders is unknown. However, in some cases, they may be due to genetic abnormalities, exposure to toxins or infections during pregnancy, or head injuries.
- Is ADHD a neurological disorder?
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological disorder that affects children and adults. Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While there is no cure for ADHD, it can be effectively managed with medication, therapy, and other interventions.
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