Development disabilities can be defined as chronic conditions which develop when the brain of a child is still forming. Developmental disabilities may occur during pregnancy or early childhood or they may occur anytime till a person attains the age of twenty two. They are birth defects which may hamper the proper functioning of a body part or a body system. Most of the developmental disabilities cannot be medically treated, however with therapy their symptoms can definitely be controlled.

Nervous System Disabilities:-

As the name suggests, nervous system disabilities affect the functioning of the nervous system, spinal cord as well as the brain. A child with nervous system disabilities is most likely to suffer from speech disorders, behavioral disorders, movement disorders and may experience convulsions. His learning, understanding and intelligence, might all be affected due to nervous system disabilities.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):-

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be identified in children by their inability to concentrate, being forgetful and feeling hyperactive all the time. There are a number of ADHD causes such as changes or malfunctioning of certain brain structures, parents suffering from hypertension or a psychiatric disturbance, chemical poisoning, alcoholism, smoking or drug abuse by the woman when she is pregnant and lastly, exposure of the child to certain environmental toxins like lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, etc.

Autism:-

Another example of nervous system disabilities is autism. Various behavioral and speech disorders may be caused in a child due to autism. Although exact cause of autism is not known, still some researchers are of the opinion that it may be caused due to certain genetic, environmental and neural development factors. Differences in the brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters are the main cause behind autism. Environmental factors such as exposure to certain chemicals, exposure to drugs, eating certain kind of foods can exacerbate this condition.

Cerebral Palsy:-

Most cases of cerebral palsy develop even before the child is born. Very rarely does it occur during childbirth, although if the baby is premature or is under weight and suffers from intraventricular hemorrhages, it can lead to development of this condition in him. But mostly this condition develops when the brain development of the unborn child is affected when the mother is alcoholic, smokes, takes drugs, is malnourished, is exposed to certain chemicals or suffers any mental of physical trauma when she is pregnant. Some other reasons for a child to develop cerebral palsy are any injury to the brain due to accident, asphyxia, bacterial infections such as encephalitis or exposure to certain chemicals and allergies.

Bipolar Disorder:-

The reason why this disorder develops in a person is not known, still studies have shown that it is hereditary and runs in families. A person suffering from bipolar disorder experiences four kinds of mood cycles - mania, hypomania, depression and a mixed episode. Typical symptoms range from a person feeling highly energetic to falling into deep depression, leading to development of suicidal thoughts.

Dyslexia:-

Dyslexia is a neurological disorder that makes a child incapable to understand language, differentiate between right and left, solve mathematical problems and lastly, organize and plan anything. This condition is caused when the brain is unable to transfer images it receives from the eyes and ears into comprehensible language.

Dyscalculia:-

This is another disability that is closely associated with dyslexia. In this condition, a child is unable to recognize numbers and thus can't solve mathematical problems. This condition is caused due to an injury to the brain or a deficit in the working memory. Inability to read maps and follow directions are some other consequences of dyscalculia. 

Dysgraphia:-

A child suffering from Dysgraphia is unable to write alphabets or sentences in order. Dysgraphia symptoms develop in a child when his motor development does not take place properly.

Fragile X Syndrome:-

Fragile X syndrome occurs when FMR-1 gene/protein is unable to participate as required for the healthy and normal development of the offspring, resulting in numerous changes in his emotional, mental, physical and behavioral features.

Down Syndrome:-

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused due to an extra 21st chromosome, resulting in mental retardation as well as malformation in a newly born child.

Metabolic Disorders:-

These birth defects affect the body's metabolism i.e. the processes involved in building up, breaking and assimilating the materials required by the body to function properly. Phenylketonuria and hypothyroidism are examples of a metabolic disorder which can cause intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Phenylketonuria:-

Phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder, occurs when the body is unable to process the phenylalanine (Phe) protein found in almost all kinds of foods. If the Phe level becomes very high, the brain of the child can get damaged and he may even suffer from mental retardation.

Hypothyroidism:-

Another example of metabolic disorders is a hormonal condition known as Hypothyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland is unable to produce some very important hormones. If this disorder is not treated in time, it can lead to obesity, infertility, joint pain and even heart disease.

Sensory-related Disabilities:-

Sensory-related disabilities, a major part of the development disabilities list, are those which can cause problems related to sight and hearing. Some examples of sensory related disabilities are Williams syndrome and congenital rubella syndrome.

Congenital Rubella Syndrome:-

Congenital rubella syndrome is caused when the rubella virus negatively affects the fetus, mostly during the first trimester of pregnancy. A child who has congenital rubella might be deaf and may even have cataracts in the eye.

Williams Syndrome:-

Williams syndrome is a condition which occurs when some of the genes might be missing in a newborn child. Some of the symptoms of this rare condition are learning disorders, sensitivity to loud music, attention deficit disorder, sunken chest and feeding problems such as vomiting or reflux.

Degenerative Disorders:-

Degenerative disorders usually develop at an older age and the newborns who suffer from such disorders may show no signs at all. Degenerative disorders are known to cause physical, sensory and mental defects in a person. An example of degenerative disorder is Rett syndrome.

Rett Syndrome:-

Mostly girls suffer from this disorder. In the initial stages, the sufferer displays normal growth patterns but later there will be slowing down of brain growth, inability to use hands properly, problems in walking, slow mental growth and the sufferer may experience seizures.

Developmental Disabilities In Children - What Should You Know?

A problem in the nervous system which causes individuals to make sudden sounds or movements called tic is Tourette s syndrome. These movements cannot be controlled by the patient. This syndrome usually starts in childhood and often stays in milder form for many even after they have reached adulthood. Many people can live without taking any kind of treatment for these tics, unless it really bothers them. Patients are often observed to start coughing or blinking their eyes uncontrollably when affected by this syndrome. They may be associated with obsessive compulsive disorder.

Symptoms of Tourette s syndrome Tourette s syndrome often affects children but get better as they grow up. The symptoms of this syndrome are usually so mild that often they go unnoticed. Some of the common symptoms which are observed in patients are stress, excitement and getting tired and sick which can make the problem worse. The motor tics can make the patient blink continuously, twitch their mouth, shrug their shoulder or jerk their head and arm continuously. The symptoms of vocal tics often include yelping and barking, coughing, grunting or repeating something someone else has said, continuously. Shouting, swearing,and sniffing are also some of the vocal tics which may be caused by the Tourette s syndrome.

What Causes the Problem? This syndrome usually affects certain parts of the brain like the basal ganglia which control every other movement of the body. A trouble in the brain network is often suggested as the reason behind Tourette s syndrome. A definite answer to why the problem occurs has not been established by experts yet, however, genes are believed to play a vital role in causing Tourette s syndrome. People who have family members suffering from this problem are often at risk of being affected by the syndrome. However, the symptoms may vary from one person to another.

Treatment for Tourette s syndrome If you suspect your child of having Tourette s syndrome, then a neurologist should be seen immediately. No special tests are held for the condition; however, imaging tests of your brain may be carried out by your doctor. CT scan and MRI are often suggested. Doctors may often recommend medications like Haloperidol, fluphenazine and pimozide among others to control these tics. However, very often the tics are very mild and do not need any medication at all.

A talk therapy along with ongoing medications might also be required for some patients as the psychologist may help your child in dealing with social issues which can be caused by these uncontrollable tics. Along with that, behavior therapy may also come in use for many.

Tourette's Syndrome - Best Treatment Options For It! 

Epilepsy is a form of chronic disorder and it is characterized by recurrent seizures. The episodes of epileptic seizures may differ from person to person. These seizures could be a result of genetic disorder or a result of trauma or stroke. During a seizure, a patient may also experience symptoms of neurological disorders and sometimes lose consciousness.

Medical help for epilepsy
Epilepsy itself cannot be cured using medication, but proper medicines help in eliminating recurrent seizures. These medicines stabilize the electrical activity within the brain preventing seizures.

How effective is the medication for epilepsy?
The success of controlling seizures using medicines depends on the type and severity of epilepsy. Medicines for epilepsy are usually very effective and may fully keep seizures under control. However, controlling seizures caused due to brain problems may be more difficult. Usually, epilepsy medicines can control seizures for a long period of time when they are taken regularly.

When is medical help needed?
The decision about when to start medicines for epilepsy is a tricky one. This is because a first seizure cannot confirm whether a person has an on-going epilepsy problem. A second seizure may occur after many years or may not happen at all. Prediction of seizures is also quite difficult.

The severity of seizures also indicates when to start medicines for treatment. In case a first seizure is quite severe, medication should be started at once. Some people have very mild seizures even though they may be recurring in nature, and medication can be avoided in this situation. After first seizure MRI and EEG may help to know whether you have the risk of second seizure or not.

All the pros and cons must be thought over before starting medications for the treatment of epilepsy. It is advisable to wait for a second seizure and then start medications for treatment. In most cases, medication is started after a second seizure occurs, twelve months within the first seizure. You should always consult a doctor to know when you need to start taking medicines to treat the condition.

For making the most out of the medicines to control seizures, you should follow certain steps:

You must take medications exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
Before switching to generic versions of your medicines or before taking other prescribed medicines, you must consult your doctor.
You should never stop taking the medicines.
In case you experience enhanced depression, mood swings and suicidal thoughts, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
In case you have migraine, you should let your doctor know so that he can prescribe you anti-epileptic medicines, which also prevent migraines.
Medicines cannot treat the underlying cause of epilepsy, but these help in controlling seizures and this is the most common symptom of epilepsy. Medication should be started at a proper time and must be continued without stopping.

When to Seek Medical Help for Epilepsy

Being flexible is not always about doing splits or doing some random bending. It is about achieving a level of mobility that will not hold you back from doing whatever you are able to do. Most people think that stretching or flexing your muscles and body as the first method to defend you from pain. But if stretching and flexing can be done correctly, it can lengthen one's muscles and give one relief from pains and aches. Stretching is also done to increase the functional range of one's joints and muscles. There are various ways by which one can stretch their muscles. However, the question which looms over here is which is the correct procedure and which is the wrong one.

The Wrong Vs the Right Way: Before discussing about the correct way, let us talk about the various wrong ways in which stretching can be done. The first rule is that if stretching is causing you pain or if it is hurting you, then you are probably taking it too far. A muscle needs to relax as much as possible, if it needs to stretch. If one is stretching so hard that he or she cannot relax then the muscle will not lengthen. Stretching should never be painful.

One should also avoid stretching for an insufficient length of time. Only a few seconds of stretching will not hold the therapeutic effects of stretching.

The following methods are few of the correct ways to stretch:

Always start with the warm muscles. Warm your muscles by doing some aerobic movement or by applying heat with the help of a warm bath.
After warming your muscles, monitor your level of discomfort. Let it go once you feel pain.
Hold any stretch for at least 30 seconds.
Stretching the Correct Muscle: There are muscles, which need to be stretched and there are muscles, which should not be. So getting to know the correct muscles to be stretched is as important as knowing the correct procedure to stretch your muscles. Every muscle, which does not hurt should not be stretched. There are different types of muscles that cause pain like stiff, tight, short muscles and long muscles. Muscles that are tight should only be subjected to stretching. Stretching muscles that are too long is not a good idea.

Using Physiotherapists: Most people who cannot determine which muscle should be stretched and which should not be should consult a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists can quickly and easily diagnose muscular issues. They will also show ways to stretch which are most effective for particular needs.

Stretching should be made a part of one's life. It is a way by which one can become their healthiest self and avoid muscular imbalances.

Stretches for Tight Muscles 

Living with epilepsy can be highly challenging. This is a medical condition that can be controlled with medications in most cases, but it might not be useful for all patients due to severe side effects. It is estimated that up to 30% people who have epilepsy face this issue, and in such cases, surgery might be considered as an option.

This condition typically results in seizures which is a result of sudden electrical activity in the brain. So, certain complicated epilepsy operations on the brain can help patients with their seizures and contain their symptoms.

The goal of epilepsy surgeries involves removing part of the brain that causes these seizures and disrupting parts of the nervous system in the brain that contribute to the same. The procedure also involves the installation of a device that helps control the side effects of epilepsy.

When is surgery not an option for epilepsy?
Doctors would accurately identify the part of the brain that is causing seizures as the first step. These parts are known in medical terms as the  seizure  focus. This area should not be related critical functions of the brain like movement, sensation, and language involved   else surgery would not be possible.

Surgery is not viable when seizures are severe and impair bodily movement or if the patient has serious medical conditions (like cancer or heart diseases).

Common Surgery Options Available

Lesionectomy: This is one of the most commonly used procedures. This form of surgery involves the surgeon removing brain lesions from the brain or areas of injury due to malformed blood vessels or tumors. These injuries can often cause seizures and epilepsy and can be treated effectively with lesionectomy.
Lobe resection: This is another form of treatment which is possible only if the epilepsy is located in one of the four parts of the brain   the temporal lobe. It is quite common in younger people and can easily be treated by expert neurosurgeons by removing the brain tissues that are causing epilepsy.
Multiple Subpial Transections: While the above methods involve cutting out brain tissues, sometimes such surgeries just might not be possible due to other complications. If the parts of the brain cannot be cut out, surgeons tend to adopt Multiple Subpial Transections. This procedure can help control seizures without requiring cutting out parts of the brain. Small intersections are made in the brain to disrupt the impulses from affected brain cells that cause seizures, and they do not affect normal brain activity. It helps leave all abilities intact in patients and aids in treatment very effectively.
So, if you are just fed up with dealing with the seizures, consult your doctor who will be able to advise on the course of action depending on the history and medical condition.

Epilepsy - Is Surgery An Option?

Weakness of the muscles due to a genetically inherited condition is known as muscular dystrophy. This condition prevents the body from producing the required protein that can help in building muscles. This protein is also responsible for making the muscles strong and stable. This is most commonly seen in children who may seem clumsy as they begin to grow up and indulge in varied kinds of movements. Let us learn more about this condition and the ways in which it may be treated.

1. Symptoms: In order to better understand the ways of treating this condition, it is important to take stock of the varied signs and symptoms that are associated with the same. The main symptom of this condition includes difficulty in walking as well as constant slips and falls that may be endured by the child. Also, the children suffering from this condition will have trouble in lifting the leg and foot in a normal way.

2. Other Complications: This condition can also affect the heart and lungs by making the muscles in these regions weak. Also, this condition can lead to a number of serious breathing problems that will need immediate medical intervention so that it does not become fatal. It may also lead to accelerated heart beats and affect the hands and feet of the patient in an adverse manner. This condition can be found in different types, each of which will affect the patient in a different manner.

3. Physical and Occupational Therapy: One of the most effective ways of dealing with condition in the long run is to indulge in physical and occupational therapy. With the help of a physiotherapist and other specialists, the patient will be taught to move in a more deliberate and normal manner without falling too often. Also, the patient will be eventually trained to go about life and various functions with certain kinds of movements that will be limited to the issues that the patient may be facing. Bracing will also be required so as to help the child cope better in the physical sense.

4. Prednisone: This medicine may be prescribed by the Pediatrician to ensure that the progression of the heart issues may be slowed down. This will ensure that the heart may function in a more normal manner despite the muscle issues that it may be facing. The doctor will usually recommend that the medicine should be started when the child is around five or six years old.

5. Spinal Fusion: This surgery can lessen the pain and reduce the severity of the symptoms, which can lead to better chances of moving in a normal manner. This will also give the child better posture so that the child may breathe normally.

How Can Muscular Dystrophy Be Treated in Children?

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