Childhood neurological cause much anguish in the family. However, thanks to scientific advances, most young patients can enjoy a full life today.
What would be the most frequent pathologies in this specialty.
There are two groups of diseases which, by their frequency in childhood and adolescence, represent the main reasons for consultation in the neurological specialty: developmental disorders and so encompass the paroxysms.
A substantial proportion of children has a developmental disorder of sufficient magnitude to require a specialized evaluation. The reasons for consultation vary by age:
In infants: is manifested in the acquisition of maturational patterns, especially motor. In Pre-school stage in the development of language disorders. By school age and adolescence: for disorders of learning and behavior.
A similar or lower rate at some time, a transient paroxysmal episode. These are manifested as a change at the level of motor behavior (convulsions, tics, etc..) Perceptual (headache, dizziness) of impaired breathing (apneas, breath) or level of consciousness (syncope). Within the spectrum of seizures, which may have different ways of presenting stand-febrile seizures.
What other causes of consultations may be cited?
Although less common genetic and chromosomal diseases and central nervous system malformations (Down syndrome, myelomeningocele) and neuromuscular diseases (muscular dystrophy, neuropathies, spinal atrophy), neurodegenerative diseases, some with known metabolic error (phenylketonuria, galactosemia , etc.).
The importance of technological advances.
In the late ’70s, the development of computerized tomography have allowed for the first time “live” a direct image of the brain.
In recent years there have been some changes with regard to neurological diseases. From a cultural standpoint, today’s parents, educators and the general population have more information, which makes the children come to the consultation in early stages, therefore, with greater likelihood of appropriate intervention.
As for the scientific field there is greater knowledge of the various neurodevelopmental problems and further development of methods of diagnosis and treatment.
Since diseases of the nervous system are closely linked to overall health, change in perinatal care, greater coverage and the development of new vaccines, prevention of accidents and general health care have led to a change in their incidence.
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
Child neurology is a specialty clinic and is likely to remain as such. The most important stages of the process diagnosis is based on the interview and physical examination, new diagnostic methods, especially in the field of imaging, neurophysiology and laboratory techniques have no value when applied indiscriminately and without proper clinical criteria .
Then with the advent of MRI and recently with positron emission tomography (PET) provides a range of methods, and shows the structure of the nervous system to assess the performance of certain specific areas.
CORRECT INFORMATION
In neurophysiology, there has also been important advances. From conventional electroencephalogram (EEG), which today provides important information, a more prolonged development on an outpatient basis, which can be done while the children make their activities, even during sleep or sleep deprivation.
In addition, polysomnography, simultaneous recording of EEG and other physiological parameters such as breathing, heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, etc. It is very useful for the diagnosis of sleep-related pathology (ej.apneas).
Finally, the EEG recording combined with the image of the patient (videoelectroencephalogram) has made it possible to define more precisely the paroxysmal episodes and is a fundamental element for children with epilepsy are difficult to control.
And THE TREATMENT?
The development of new treatments has not been of the desired magnitude and in many areas, such as neuromuscular diseases and genetics, are experimental. The situation has been more advantageous for patients with epilepsy, and in recent years have developed new anticonvulsant drugs.
WHAT IS PREVENTION?
There is a group of diseases that can be prevented and for this the best advice is to follow the advice of your doctor: Regular monitoring of the pregnancy and birth by a team of professionals. Compliance with the immunization schedule
Accident prevention.
On the other hand there are some neurological conditions in which early diagnosis allows appropriate treatment and better prognosis. Therefore periodic monitoring health and timely consultation with your pediatrician to borderline situations should be a priority.
Dr. Pedro Barreda
Tags: Child Neurology, Child Neurology Introduction, Childhood neurological, Neurological diseases, Neurological Disorders, Neurology Diagnostics,
