Neurophysiological disorders manifest in a variety of ways in children and can impact their cognitive and physical development. Paediatric Neurophysiology is a sub-specialty within the broader field of child neurology, focusing on the relationship between the behaviour of children and their brain health. With early detection and treatment, we can significantly impact a child’s development and improve their quality of life.

At Narayana Health, we employ state-of-the-art techniques to ensure accurate neurological diagnosis and personalised treatment for each child.

Paediatric Neurophysiology: Symptoms to Watch

Our expert team of paediatric neurologists specialises in identifying and treating neurodevelopmental disorders. By tailoring the treatment to the unique needs of each child, we focus on achieving long-term position outcomes for child brain disorders. Some of the common symptoms that you should be aware of include:

Abnormal Muscle Tone at Birth: Neurodevelopmental disorders can lead to unusually low or high muscle tone. This could present as stiffness or limpness in the limbs.
Problems in Developmental Milestones: Brain disorders in young children can lead to a noticeable slowing in developmental progress. This may include not reaching age-appropriate milestones and losing any previously acquired skills.
Unresponsive Episodes: Some children might stare blankly and seem unresponsive for short periods, which can indicate seizures and other neurological conditions.

Paediatric Neurophysiology: Conditions We Treat

Understanding children’s brain health is essential to address any underlying neurological conditions that could impact development and quality of life. Utilising advanced diagnostic tools, including EEG for children, we develop personalised interventions to support health and development for a wide range of disorders, such as:

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children. It can be diagnosed using a variety of behavioural assessments and observations. The disorder affects the child’s ability to control impulses, focus and regulate activity levels. It is characterised by persistent inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Autism

Autism is characterised by challenges in communication, repetitive behaviours and a lack of social skills. The diagnosis of this neurological condition includes a series of behavioural assessments by a paediatric neurologist. To help manage autism, doctors use a combination of behavioural, occupational and speech therapy.

Brain Injury & Concussions

Concussions and brain injuries are often a result of trauma to the head, which leads to neurological impairment. MRI and CT scans are usually recommended to diagnose brain injury. Major symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion and loss of consciousness. The child might also experience cognitive difficulties and memory loss. One may also notice behavioural changes in the child, such as increased irritability and aggression.

Cerebral Palsy

This group of disorders affects muscle tone, posture and movement. It occurs due to damage to the developing brain of the child, usually before birth. Symptoms of cerebral palsy include stiff muscles, lack of muscle coordination, intellectual difficulties and seizures in some cases. Diagnosis involves noticing delays in motor milestones, such as sitting, crawling and walking.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy leads to unprovoked, recurrent seizures that are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Noticing various symptoms, such as brief lapses of attention, sensory disturbances, confusion and sleepiness, can help a paediatric neurologist make a diagnosis. They might also send children for an electroencephalography (EEG) to detect abnormal activities in the brain.

Encephalitis

Encephalitis is usually the result of a severe viral infection that leads to the inflammation of the brain. Along with muscle weakness and fatigue, fever, headache and confusion are common symptoms. Seizures and sensory changes can be noticed in a few cases. Neurological diagnosis includes blood tests, brain imaging and lumbar punctures.

Headaches & Migraines

These are common complaints in child neurology and can vary based on their frequency and severity. Migraines are characterised by throbbing or pulsating pain, which often occurs on one side. Vomiting and nausea are also common symptoms. In some cases, children may experience visual disturbances. A specialist in neurophysiological disorders starts the diagnosis with a detailed medical history. Imaging scans might be advised in some cases.

Learning and Developmental Disorders

These encompass a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect the ability of a child to acquire and use skills in social, practical and academic areas. The symptoms may include difficulty in sustaining attention, behavioural issues and problems in social interaction. Difficulties in reading and writing are common symptoms of learning disorders.

Metabolic Disorders

Here, disruptions in the metabolic processes affect the brain, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. You might notice intellectual disability and developmental delays. In some cases, the child might also experience seizures. The paediatric neurologist might suggest various blood and genetic tests to diagnose this condition.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica

This is a group of autoimmune disorders that affect the central nervous system. Imaging techniques are used for diagnosis, while treatments might include immunotherapy and medication to manage and slow the disorder's progression.

Neuromuscular Disorders

These disorders affect the nerves of the body that control voluntary movements. The child’s brain health is assessed using genetic and EMG tests. You might notice respiratory issues and difficulty in acquiring motor skills, along with weakness, fatigue and severe cramps.

Perinatal Injury

Neurophysiological disorders that are a result of an injury that occurs around the time of birth fall under this category. With neuroimaging and developmental assessments, this child brain disorder can be diagnosed, and early interventions can be started.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Here, damage to the peripheral nerves leads to neurological symptoms that include numbness and pain in the extremities, sensory disturbances and coordination problems. Once diagnosed, treatment focuses on immediate symptom relief and managing the condition.

Rett Syndrome

This is a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development, primarily in girls. The symptoms of Rett Syndrome include breathing irregularities, severe cognitive and motor impairments, and seizures in severe cases. While there is no complete cure, medication, supportive therapies and specialised interventions can help manage the disorder.

Tics & Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette’s syndrome is characterised by multiple tics, which are sudden and repetitive sounds or movements that are involuntary. You can notice early signs of anxiety, difficulties in academic and social settings and motor or vocal tics. This can be managed with the help of medication and psychological and physiological therapies.

Tuberous Sclerosis

This genetic disorder is characterised by the presence of benign tumours in various organs. It can include developmental delays, skin abnormalities, kidney and heart problems, and behavioural issues. You may also notice seizures as a prominent symptom. Neurological diagnosis includes MRI and other imaging techniques, and genetic testing.