5 Warning Signs Your Child May Have a Neurological Disorder

What is a neurological disorder?

Neurological disorders in children occur when something is abnormal in the brain, the nervous system or the muscle cells. These disorders can vary from epilepsy to migraine headaches to tic or movement disorders and more.

Children are either born with the disorder, such as spina bifida or hydrocephalus (fluid in the brain), or they acquire the disorder later in life – the result of a traumatic injury or serious infection.

In Kelley’s case, the pediatric neurologists at Arkansas Children’s Hospital diagnosed her with a rare inherited condition. Once they determined the underlying cause for Kelley’s seizures, her medical team performed surgery. They were able to remove the damaged part of the brain causing her seizures.

Today, Kelley is happy, healthy and seizure-free. Her parents are grateful the cause of Kelley’s seizures was identified and treated – giving their daughter hope for a healthier tomorrow.

Warning signs of neurological disorders

While it's hard to know when to seek specialized medical care for your child, our pediatric experts recommend a quick evaluation by your child's doctor if your child is showing a decline in developmental milestones. For example, it's a red flag if your child has lost a skill that they had previously mastered like walking, talking, or feeding themselves.

Early diagnosis and intervention is key. If your child's normal behavior has changed dramatically, call their pediatrician for an evaluation.

Warning signs of a neurological disorder include:

• Abnormal muscle tone at birth
• Seizures
• Floppy baby
• Subtle staring/unresponsive episodes
• Slow language and/or motor skills
• Decrease in developmental milestones

Once the underlying cause of a developmental delay is diagnosed, therapy can be helpful. Arkansas Children’s offers speech, occupational and physical therapy to help the child maximize his or her capabilities. Early diagnosis is also greatly beneficial for conditions that urgently need surgery, such as brain tumors or hydrocephalus.