Neurological disorders affect the function of the nervous system. Common pediatric neurological disorders include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy.

Neurological disorders are conditions that affect the nervous system. Recent research has estimated that these conditions affect 3.4 billion people worldwide, which is roughly 43% of the world’s population.

Neurological disorders can affect both adults and children, but the types of disorders that are common in children can differ from those that occur in adults.

Read on for more information about some of the most common pediatric neurological disorders, what causes them, how they’re diagnosed and treated, and the outlook for children who have one.

Neurological disorders are conditions that affect the function of the nervous system, the communication network that works to regulate the various functions and processes in the body.

The nervous system is divided into two parts:

  • The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is the main communication hub in the body.
  • The peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves outside of the CNS. It has two further divisions:
    • The afferent division collects information from the body and sends it to the CNS for processing.
    • The efferent division sends information from the CNS to the rest of the body, such as signals involved in moving the skeletal muscles or regulating functions such as digestion and urination.

Neurological disorders can affect any part of the nervous system and many functions of the body, including movement, sensation, and memory.

There are several common types of pediatric neurological disorders.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD causes difficulty paying attention, periods of hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. An estimated 11.4% of children in the United States have ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD begin before 12 years of age and may continue into the teenage years and adulthood. If someone begins showing ADHD symptoms after age 12, healthcare professionals will consider other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

Some children with ADHD may have more inattentive symptoms, while others may have more symptoms related to hyperactivity or impulsivity. It’s also possible to have both symptom types.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

ASD results from differences in the brain. This means that people with ASD may communicate, learn, and behave differently than people who don’t have ASD.

The symptoms of ASD typically begin within the first 2 years of life. Broadly speaking, they can involve communication difficulties and repetitive or restrictive behaviors.

ASD is estimated to affect 1 out of every 100 children worldwide.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain that leads to recurring seizures. Symptoms of seizures can vary and may include jerking or shaking, staring into space, or collapsing.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, epilepsy is the most common type of brain disorder affecting children in the United States. About 470,000 children in the United States have epilepsy.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy results from damage or developmental issues that affect the brain, leading to difficulties with movement, balance, and posture.

The symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary greatly depending on the type of cerebral palsy a child has and its severity. One of the main symptoms that you may notice is a delay in reaching movement milestones such as sitting up and standing.

Researchers have estimated that cerebral palsy affects 1.6 out of 1,000 children worldwide.

CNS infections

A variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi can cause infections in the CNS, which can lead to conditions such as meningitis and encephalitis. Children are among the groups at highest risk of these infections.

Meningitis is swelling of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is swelling of the brain tissue itself. Common symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis can include:

Seek medical care

Meningitis is a medical emergency. Seek medical attention immediately or call 911 if you or your child has symptoms of meningitis.

Migraine

Migraine is a condition that causes recurring headaches, among other symptoms. Migraine headaches often affect one side of the head, but in children, they are more likely to affect both sides of the head. Pain that occurs during a migraine attack can feel like throbbing or pulsing.

In addition to headaches, migraine can cause symptoms such as:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • fatigue
  • sensitivity to light, noises, or smells
  • mood changes
  • aura, which occurs before the headache and can cause vision disturbances, tingling sensations, and trouble speaking

The prevalence of migraine in children can vary. Experts estimate that migraine may affect anywhere from 5% to 40% of children.

Spina bifida

Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube (a precursor to the brain and spinal cord) doesn’t close properly when a baby is developing in the womb. This can cause damage to the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

Symptoms of spina bifida can vary depending on its severity but may include:

Spina bifida affects 1 out of every 2,875 babies born in the United States.

Neuromuscular disorders

Neuromuscular disorders affect the peripheral nervous system. Collectively, they can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty walking, changes in sensation, and skeletal differences.

Types of neuromuscular disorders that are common in children include:

  • muscular dystrophy, a group of conditions that cause increasing weakness and muscle damage over time
  • spinal muscular atrophy, a group of diseases that lead to progressive damage to nerves that control movement
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which affects nerves involved in sensation and movement, leading to muscle weakness and a loss of sensation

Overall, neuromuscular disorders are less common than the other neurological disorders we’ve discussed. They’re estimated to affect fewer than 1 in 1,500 people in the United States.

Nervous system cancers

Nervous system cancers are some of the more common types of cancer that can develop in children. Examples include brain and spinal cord tumors and neuroblastoma (a type of cancer that develops in early nerve cells).

Brain and spinal cord tumors make up 1 in 4 childhood cancers, and more than 4,000 children and teens in the United States receive diagnoses of these cancers each year. Symptoms can include headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and seizures.

Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer in children under 1 year old. The American Cancer Society estimates that 700 to 800 children in the United States receive a neuroblastoma diagnosis each year. Symptoms can include abdominal swelling, pain, and fever.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

A TBI is an injury that affects how the brain works. It can result from a blow to the head, which may occur during an event such as a fall, a car accident, or an assault.

TBIs can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their severity. Symptoms may include:

An estimated 475,000 children in the United States ages 0 to 14 experience a TBI each year, and up to 90% of these injuries are mild.

There’s no one cause of pediatric neurological disorders. The cause can vary by the type of disorder.

For example, neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy and spinal muscle atrophy are caused by known genetic changes, while a TBI results from environmental factors involving an accident or injury.

The causes of many disorders, such as ADHD, ASD, and migraine, are not well understood. Multiple factors, including genetics and environmental factors, are believed to contribute to these conditions.

For some disorders, such as epilepsy, healthcare professionals may not be able to find a cause. While brain injuries, genetic factors, or other medical conditions can contribute to epilepsy, no clear cause can be found in many cases.

To diagnose a pediatric neurological disorder, a healthcare professional will take your child’s medical history and perform a physical and neurological exam. During a neurological exam, they’ll evaluate the following:

  • senses, such as vision, hearing, smell, and touch
  • reflexes
  • movement, coordination, and balance
  • cognitive abilities, such as attention and memory

Additional tests they may use to make a diagnosis or to rule out other medical conditions include:

For some neurological disorders, such as ADHD and ASD, there are no lab or imaging tests that can make the diagnosis. Instead, diagnosis is based on a child’s symptoms and continued evaluation as they grow and develop.

The treatment for a pediatric neurological disorder depends on the specific disorder a child has. Generally, treatment may include:

  • medications that can:
    • reduce or prevent symptoms
    • slow the progression of a condition
    • directly treat a condition such as an infection or cancer
  • physical therapy
  • occupational therapy
  • speech therapy
  • assistive devices to help with mobility, daily activities, or speech
  • psychotherapy or behavioral interventions
  • surgery, such as repairing the spine in spina bifida or removing a tumor

Once your child’s doctor has made a diagnosis, they’ll tell you which type (or types) of treatment they recommend, including the risks and benefits of each option.

The outlook for pediatric neurological disorders depends on the child’s diagnosis. Your child’s doctor can help you understand what to expect.

Many neurological disorders are chronic, which means they’ll need to be managed throughout a child’s life. Some, such as muscular dystrophy, are progressive, which means the symptoms will change over time and may become more intense.

Other neurological disorders, such as infections or TBIs, may resolve with appropriate treatment. However, they can lead to lasting complications, such as brain damage and difficulties with thinking, memory, and behavior.

Several types of neurological disorders commonly affect children. Examples include ADHD, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy.

The outlook for pediatric neurological disorders depends on the specific disorder. If your child is experiencing symptoms that may be due to a neurological disorder, consult a healthcare professional to get a diagnosis.