10 Signs Your Child May Have A Neurological Disorder

A neurological disorder is a condition where the nervous system in the body starts to dysfunction or get damaged- This includes the brains and muscle cells. Children and infants are no exception to this condition as some of the most common neurological disorders in children and toddlers include:

1. Epilepsy

2. Migraine

3. Movement disorders

4. Spina Bifida- Fluid in the brain

5. Neurological Speech Disorder

Causes: There are various causes of neurological disorders in infants- Sometimes due to genetic or chromosomal disorder, infants are born with it. Another common cause could be due to pre/perinatal factors like difficult delivery, lack of oxygen, low birth weight, and other environmental toxins.

Symptoms: Warning Signs of a Neurological Disorder in Children

Warning signs and symptoms of a neurological disorder depend on where the cause, type of abnormality, or the location of the injury or infection. Symptoms include physical and/or psychological changes and abnormality. Some of the most common and significant warning signs include:

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⦁ Loss of a previously learned motor skill like when your child is unable to perform tasks like walking, talking, counting or feeding, etc ⦁ Abnormal muscle tone issues at birth – This includes walking in a stiff manner, lack of proper control of arms like legs. ⦁ Floppy or doll-like baby– Due to the stiffness mentioned above, your child will be unable to move effortlessly and move flexible enough. ⦁ Seizures and Spasms: Uncontrollable jerking motions either on one side of the body or throughout the entire body. ⦁ Concentration issues: Either the child is unable to focus on anything or focuses on one particular thing so intensely that the rest of the environment goes unnoticed.

Other Signs Include:

1. Subtle staring/unresponsive episodes

2. Slow language skills

3. Abnormal pupil response and tremors

4. Poor muscle coordination and poor balance

5. Problems with reflexes

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What to do?

If your child is experiencing any such signs or symptoms, they will require an immediate neurological examination. The reason why this needs to be performed as soon as possible is to ensure early diagnosis or treatment in case the child gets diagnosed with any neurological disorder.

Early diagnosis will higher and better the chances of a full recovery which will ensure living a close to normal life. However, it is still important to know cases require some form of treatment throughout their life.

During a neurological examination, the doctors will assess your child’s mental awareness, sensory perception, reflexes, etc

Conclusion

Neurological disorders are very alarming as they affect the essential functions of the brain or nervous system functions and the sooner the problem is identified, the sooner will the child receives necessary treatment and thus, will ensure higher chances of recovery.