Despite many incredible scientific breakthroughs in order to increase the longevity of human life, numerous health issues are faced by all age groups whether it is related to physical or mental health. Especially young ones, who are already at the stage of undergoing development, and encounter a number of health problems. Neurological abnormalities in children are one of the main concerns of psychiatrists in India and other countries nowadays because genetic predispositions are the main reason and improvements are not that easy in these cases.
Etiology:
There are many neurological disorders in children but the most common ones with high prevalence are Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and Epilepsy. The reasons for these abnormalities are common and can occur during the different stages of life. Such as, disorders can be caused by infected genes, occur during the prenatal-perinatal-postnatal period, severe infections, injuries, and environmental factors can also cause neurological problems in children.
Understanding the 5 most common neurological issues
Learning about health issues in young ones can be helpful for those who have offspring or planning to have one. Because it can prepare and help them nurture their children more cautiously. No one expects one’s child to go through any sort of ailment but still having some knowledge is never harmful. Further are the most seen health issues in children at present.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is not an unknown term anymore. This impairment is most common among young people who have encountered either brain injuries, genetic infection, exposure to toxins during the prenatal period, or neurotransmitter imbalance. Kids with ADHD demonstrate overwhelming and impulsive behavior and lack of concentration and they find it hard to sit still. This disorder affects their learning as well.
- Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most studied neurological disorders and it’s a part of a common yet chronic mental disorders list, with a prevalence of almost 0.5% – 1% in children around the globe. Its rationales are genetic, brain infections and injuries that can occur at any stage of life but it is most risky at a young age because its symptoms like sudden falls, jerky movements, staring, and unconsciousness can be terrifying, not only for the victim but also for other children around them. Fatigue after a seizure attack may lead the child to be inactive and affect his overall growth.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors, owing to which a child finds it hard to interact socially and maintain communication. Bad temperament or language skill loss can be early signs of Autism Spectrum in children. Their learning ability and intelligence level are not as high as normal children. The prevalence of this neurological issue in children is 1/100.
- Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that occurs because the brain is not fully developed. It can happen because of premature births or brain injury during the prenatal stage. Neurons lack white matter in CP cases, which leads to impairment in voluntary movement. Some children can be taught to walk but many of them are dependent on others to move around. Kids with CP can have language impairments as well. Many cases of CP are seen to have comorbidity of Epilepsy.
- Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is caused by only genetic impairment because in this disorder a child has 47 chromosomes, whereas in a normal child, there are 46. Young people with Down Syndrome have specific facial features like small ears, flat noses, and small necks. Their receptive power is not as good as healthy children and they seek others’ support to do their daily activities because their fine motor skills are not sound.
Diagnoses and Treatments
Most of the neurological disorders’ symptoms can be noticed before the age of 3 or 4. If parents observe any of the above-mentioned signs in their child, then it is advisable to visit a neurologist, psychiatrist, or pediatrician. MRIs, CTs, and EEG scans can analyse the nervous system impairments. Health professionals will ask parents about the family’s health history in order to diagnose the disorders. So, before going to health experts, parents should collect all the information they can about the health history of their family.
When a child is diagnosed with any neurological disorder, treatments can be initiated. Medication is a must part of most health issues such as in epilepsy treatments in India and all around the world, medication is given to control seizures. ADHD is also treated by giving stimulants in order to increase the dopamine level. In cases of Cerebral Palsy and Autism, therapies by physiotherapists are also recommended. In some of the very critical cases like brain infection, surgeries are done as well.
Neurological impairments can be hard to live with but it’s important to diagnose them as early as possible, so that support and treatments can be commenced. Hence, being aware of the signs is vital to help children with neurological disorders.
