Understanding Neurological Disorders in Children


Neurological disorders affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves — the body’s “electrical wiring.” When that wiring is disrupted, it can change how a child moves, speaks, learns, or processes information.


According to the World Health Organization (2024), roughly 10% of children worldwide live with a neurological condition. These conditions can appear at birth or develop later in childhood, and many are manageable with early treatment and family support.


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1. Epilepsy


Epilepsy is one of the most common pediatric neurological disorders, affecting about 1 in every 26 people in the U.S. (CDC, 2023). It causes recurrent seizures, which happen when the brain’s electrical signals misfire.


What parents may notice:

• Sudden staring spells or brief unresponsiveness

• Shaking or stiffening of limbs

• Confusion or tiredness after an episode


Treatment:

Epilepsy is usually managed with anticonvulsant medications. Some children outgrow seizures as their brain develops, while others need lifelong care and monitoring.


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2. Cerebral Palsy (CP)


Cerebral palsy affects movement and muscle coordination. It’s caused by brain injury before, during, or shortly after birth. About 1 in 345 U.S. children are diagnosed with CP (CDC, 2024).


What parents may notice:

• Delays in sitting, crawling, or walking

• Stiff or floppy muscles

• Difficulty speaking or swallowing


Treatment:

Therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy can significantly improve independence and motor skills.


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3. Hydrocephalus


Hydrocephalus occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, causing increased pressure. About 1 in 1,000 infants are born with this condition (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2023).


What parents may notice:

• Rapid head growth or bulging soft spot

• Vomiting, irritability, or sleepiness

• Trouble focusing eyes


Treatment:

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is often placed to drain fluid. With regular follow-up, most children lead full, active lives.


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4. Migraines in Children


Up to 10% of school-age children experience migraines (American Migraine Foundation, 2024).

Unlike regular headaches, migraines often cause nausea, sensitivity to light, and mood changes.


What parents may notice:

• Head pain that makes the child stop playing or cry

• Complaints of “sparkles” or blurry vision

• Fatigue or irritability before an episode


Treatment:

Lifestyle adjustments, hydration, and preventive medication can reduce migraine frequency. Keeping a symptom journal helps identify triggers.


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5. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)


DCD affects fine motor coordination — sometimes called “dyspraxia.” About 5% of school-aged children are affected (National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2023).


What parents may notice:

• Clumsiness or frequent tripping

• Difficulty holding pencils or tying shoes

• Avoidance of sports or handwriting tasks


Treatment:

Occupational and physical therapy strengthen coordination and confidence.


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References

• World Health Organization (2024). Child Neurology Data Report.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). Child Development and CP Statistics.

• American Migraine Foundation (2024). Children and Migraine.

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2023). Hydrocephalus Information Page.