Nervous disorders in children in the modern world occur more and more often. This is due to various factors: the heavy workload that children receive in educational institutions, insufficient interaction with parents who are employed at work, high standards that society sets. It is important to recognize the warning signs in time and start working with the child. Otherwise, it can lead to serious mental problems in the future.

Nervous diseases can occur at any age, but the increased risk occurs during periods of age crises:

• 3-4 years;
• 6-7 years old;
• 13-18 years old.

At a young age, the child may not always be able to tell what worries him. During this period, parents should be alerted to such uncharacteristic signs as:

• Frequent whims and a state of irritability;
• Fast fatiguability;
• Increased emotionality and vulnerability;
• Stubbornness and protests;
• Feeling of constant tension and discomfort;
• Closure.

The child may begin to experience difficulties with speech, even if he had a good vocabulary before that time. He may also begin to show interest in a particular direction: playing with only one toy, reading only one book, drawing the same figures. Moreover, his games become a real reality for him, so parents can notice how much the child is carried away at this time. He can fantasize a lot and really believe in his fantasies. With such symptoms, it is recommended to undergo psychological diagnostics from a child psychologist, it will be especially important to do this a year before school.

When a child goes to school, he may additionally show symptoms such as:

• Decreased appetite;
• Sleep disturbance;
• Dizziness;
• Frequent overwork.

It is difficult for a child to concentrate and carry out mental activity to the fullest.

The symptoms of a nervous disorder in adolescent children are most severe. An unstable psyche during this period leads to the fact that they may experience:

• Impulsiveness. Even the little things can make them mad;
• Feelings of constant anxiety and fear;
• Fear of people around;
• Self-hatred. Often, adolescents dislike their own appearance;
• Frequent insomnia;
• Hallucinations.

From physiological manifestations, severe headaches, disturbed pressure, signs of asthma, etc., can be noted. The worst thing is that in the absence of timely treatment, a disturbed psyche can cause suicidal thoughts.

Neuropsychiatric disorders in children can have various roots. In some cases, there is a genetic predisposition to this, but not always.

The disorder can be provoked by:

• Diseases of the child, leading to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system;
• Childhood diseases affecting the brain;
• Diseases of the mother during pregnancy;
• The emotional state of the mother during pregnancy;
• Family problems: conflicts between parents, divorce;
• Too great demands on the child in the upbringing process.

The latter reason may seem controversial, because parenting is an integral part of the formation of a child. In this case, it is important that the parents' requirements are adequate and implemented in moderation. When parents ask too much from a child, try to find a reflection of their unrealized potential in him and, moreover, put pressure on him, setting too high standards, the result only gets worse. The baby is depressed, which directly leads to the development of disorders in the nervous system.

A very important factor that can cause mental problems in a child is the discrepancy between the emotional temperament of him and the mother. This can be expressed both in a lack of attention and in an overabundance of it. Sometimes a woman can note the lack of emotional connection with the child, she takes all the necessary steps to take care of him: feeds, bathes, puts to bed, but does not want to hug him again or smile at him. But excessive parental care in relation to the child is not the best option; it also carries the risk of the formation of an unstable neuropsychic state of the child.

The presence of a phobia can also tell parents about possible mental health problems in a child.

Types of neuroses in childhood

Neurosis in a child, like in an adult, is divided into several types, depending on the symptoms present. Nervous system disorders in children can take the following forms:

• Nervous tic. It occurs quite often and is expressed in the form of involuntary movements of body parts: cheeks, eyelid, shoulder, hand. The child cannot control them, while they arise during the period of his exciting or stressful state. The nervous tic disappears when the child is very keen on something;
• Stuttering. The little patient begins to experience difficulties with speech due to muscle cramps responsible for this activity. Stuttering is especially worse during periods of excitement or in the presence of an external stimulus;
• Asthenic neurosis. The cause of this type of disease is the large amount of stress that falls on the child's psyche. As a result, he may suffer from frequent and sudden mood swings, increased irritability and moodiness, lack of appetite and feelings of nausea;
• Obsessive neurosis. It can be expressed both in constantly arising thoughts of an anxious or frightening nature, and in frequently repetitive movements. The child can swing, turn his head, move his arms, scratch his head.
• Anxiety neurosis. Children only get to know the world around them, so some things can scare them, sometimes developing a real phobia in them. Most often, fears are in the dark, loud sounds, heights, strangers;
• Sleep neurosis. It is difficult for the child to fall asleep and he often suffers from nightmares. All this leads to the fact that the baby does not get enough sleep and constantly feels tired;
• Hysteria. It arises against the background of some kind of emotional experience. The child cannot cope with his feelings and tries to attract the attention of others by crying loudly, lying on the floor, throwing objects;
• Enuresis. In this case, the neurosis is expressed in urinary incontinence. But it is important to take into account that this phenomenon, before the child reaches 4-5 years of age, may not be informative in the diagnosis of mental disorders;
• Eating behavior. Children often express increased selectivity in their food. But if this sign appeared unexpectedly, then you should pay attention to it. Perhaps it was preceded by a disorder in the child's psyche. Excessive food intake can also speak not only of the risk of being overweight, but also of the presence of neurosis;
• Nervous allergies. It is characterized by the fact that it is very difficult to determine the source of the body's reaction.

Depending on the condition of the child, he may experience signs of several types of neurosis at once, for example, sleep disturbances and obsessive thoughts.

Who to contact

When signs of psychological and nervous disorders appear in a child, parents should seek help from a doctor. First of all, it is worth visiting a neurologist. It is he who will be able to determine what the reason lies in the child's altered behavior and whether there is a need for drug therapy.

The next step is to see a therapist. In some cases, parents will also need consultation, because it is not uncommon for the cause of children's neuralgic disorders to be tense relations between them. In this case, a family psychologist can help to deal with the problem, who will work with all family members at the same time.

Treatment

Treatment in each case is selected individually. It may include measures of one or several directions at once: taking medications, psychological assistance, additional procedures.

Drugs

Children are not always treated with drug therapy. The doctor must, based on the results of the diagnosis, determine the need for drugs. If the child really needs them, then a technique may be shown to him:

• Sedatives. Most of them are of plant origin, so they do not harm the child's body. Their effect is to reduce the child's emotional stress. They also help normalize sleep;
• Drugs that improve blood circulation in the brain area. Such drugs have a beneficial effect on the state of blood vessels, expanding and providing them with nutrition;
• Antipsychotic Medication. Necessary to rid the child of obsessive fears and increased anxiety;
• Tranquilizers. They also belong to the group of sedatives, but they have a more pronounced effect. Eliminate emotional tension, have a relaxing effect. Sleep tends to become deeper and deeper;
• Calcium-containing complexes. They make up for the lack of this element in the child's body, which has a positive effect on the state of his nervous system and brain function.

What kind of drug the child needs, and in what dosage, is determined only by the attending physician. Otherwise, the condition may be aggravated by the side effects of medication.

Family psychotherapy

A visit to a child psychologist forms the basis of treatment for most of the child's nervous disorders. At the reception, the specialist tries to find out from the patient what exactly bothers him, frightens him or makes him nervous. In this case, the psychologist must establish the most trusting contact with the child. If necessary, work is carried out with the parents.

In addition to working with the inner world of the child, it is also important to create conditions for his life. He should have a normalized daily routine, adequate sleep for at least 8 hours a day, a healthy diet, and a balanced amount of work and rest.

ethnoscience

All folk remedies aimed at eliminating the signs of a nervous breakdown in a child consist in taking herbal remedies that have a sedative effect. The most popular methods are:

• Motherwort tincture. Brew dry grass with boiling water and filter through cheesecloth. Take this remedy for 1-2 teaspoons 3 times a day. Not recommended for children under 7;
• Valerian tincture. In this case, the crushed root of the plant is poured with boiling water. The filtered remedy is drunk 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day;
• Chamomile decoction. Dry flowers are brewed with boiling water, and then infused for 3 hours. This broth can be drunk even by babies. In the presence of neurological disorders, the child is recommended to drink up to 150 ml per day.

It is important to pay attention to the fact that herbs can cause allergic reactions, so you should first make sure that your child is not intolerant of them.

Prevention

Prevention of nervous disorders is important not only for children who have already encountered this problem. Each parent should be aware that the child's psyche is not as developed as that of an adult, therefore it is subject to various destabilizing factors.

In order to prevent the occurrence of neurological disorders in a child, it is important to observe the following measures:

• Listen to his emotions. It is important not to miss the moment when he needs support or simple attention;
• Assess the emotional potential of the child. A lot of attention isn't always the best solution. Children should also have their own personal space;
• Talk to him. Don't be afraid to tell your child about your feelings and thoughts. And, of course, it is important to teach him to give feedback;
• Build trust. The child should know that the parents are always ready to listen to him and accept him, even if he made a mistake;
• Create conditions for unlocking its potential. If a child has a craving for drawing, then you should not forbid him to do this business, arguing that, for example, sports are more interesting.

In general, parents just have to learn to love and understand their child, no matter how old he is, 1 year or 18. If it is difficult to do it on your own, then you can seek help from psychological books, seminars or directly to specialists in this field.

Pediatric neurology is a relatively young branch of medicine, which originated at the junction of two areas: neuropathology and pediatrics. However, it has become very important in the field of clinical disciplines.

This area is one of the most difficult in medicine. It is in childhood that deviations from development and various pathologies that affect the formation of neuropsychic activity can begin to appear.

Definitely work neurologist in this area is incredibly responsible, because the child's further life, his social adaptation, physical and mental health depend on his decision.

In this article, we will look at several of the most common diseases, as well as their diagnosis and treatment methods, and outline the most common neurological diseases in children.

TBI and back injuries

Traumatic brain injury includes compression, concussion, or contusion of the brain. As a result of TBI, a child may develop asthenic syndrome, characterized by rapid fatigue, irritability, withdrawal and self-doubt. Also, the patient often develops a syndrome of vegetative dystonia, which includes arterial hypertension, sinus tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension and impaired thermoregulation.

Spinal cord injuries are divided into contusion and compression. With bruises, persistent neurological disorders such as paralysis, anesthesia, and various pelvic disorders can be observed. Another serious consequence of injury is urinary disorders.

Microcephaly

This disease is characterized by a significant reduction in the skull, which affects the size of the brain. As a result, the child can observe mental deficiency in one way or another. The disease can be congenital, or it can manifest itself in the first years of a child's life. This is a rather serious defect that affects the functioning of the brain and central nervous system. In some cases, microcephaly can also lead to oligophrenia.

Also, with this disease, in addition to mental retardation, defects in speech and motor skills may appear, caused by muscle spasm or paralysis.

Hydrocephalus

Another name for this disease is dropsy of the brain. It is characterized by an increase in the volume of the ventricles of the brain, sometimes to a critical size, arising from the excessive release of cerebrospinal fluid and its accumulation in the region of the cerebral cavities.

Symptoms of hydrocephalus in children most often appear during intrauterine formation, which makes it difficult to establish the causes. Due to this disease, the skull is deformed - a strong bulge of the frontal lobe, a noticeable manifestation of venous vessels in the temples, as well as a significant expansion of fontanelles and upward shift of the eyes, where they hide under the brow ridges.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is expressed in excessive energy and mobility of the child, which often leads to impaired attention. The behavioral features of behavior in most cases include sleep disturbance, lack of appetite, anxiety and neurological habits (for example, when a child constantly bites his nails).

The fact that the brain of a child with hyperactivity does not process the information coming to him poorly, it becomes uncontrollable. It is much more difficult for such a child to master the skills of reading, writing, etc., and when communicating with peers, conflicts often arise.

The syndrome of this disease often occurs for a number of the following reasons:

• the mother has chronic diseases during pregnancy;
• the toxic effect of the mother on the fetus (alcohol, smoking, chemical poisoning, etc.);
• injuries and bruises to the mother during pregnancy;
• complications of labor, manifested in hemorrhage, asphexia;
• unnatural course of labor (caesarean section, stimulation of labor, rapid birth, or, conversely, a delayed course of labor)
• ecology in the region of residence;
• transfer of certain diseases.

Oligophrenia

Oligophrenia (also known as mental retardation or dementia) is a congenital or acquired form of underdevelopment of the child's psyche. The symptomatology of this disease can be traced in the form of damage to the mind due to inhibition of personality development against the background of pathological abnormalities of the brain. It often manifests itself in the speech and motor skills of the child, his strong-willed and emotional qualities.

There are several options for classifying oligophrenia, but we will consider the most traditional:

In this case, the syndrome of oligophrenia can be differentiated and undifferentiated.

Autism

This disease is characterized by the fact that a sick child has problems with social adaptation and perception of society. Such patients are rarely able to express their own emotions and practically do not understand other people's manifestations of feelings. Also, autistic people are characterized by inhibition of speech, in rare forms of development - a decrease in mental activity.

Autism, first of all, is a congenital disease, whose symptoms are manifested in a slightly inhibited development of the child: in his poorly developed or absent speech at all, inability to behave in the same way as children of his age, and avoidance of eye contact.

However, autistic people do not have any characteristic behavior, each case is considered separately. The causes of autism are not known for certain. We can only say with confidence that this disease is inherited and in no way connected with the psychological situation in the family.

Diagnostics and treatment

Below are a number of reasons why it is worth seeking advice and examination by a pediatric neurologist .

The neurological symptoms in children vary. In each age period, they may differ, but they always indicate disorders in the functioning of the nervous system.

In this article, we'll look at the symptoms of neurological disease and the signs of neurological disorders in newborns and older children.

Neurological diseases do not always manifest themselves as a vivid symptomatic picture.... Often only a doctor can notice a deviation.

Brain structures mature at a certain time. If this does not happen, marking signs appear, according to which the neurologist can assume the presence of pathology.

Ignoring neurological symptoms in children leads to disappointing consequences... As a rule, the disease progresses and causes even more serious pathologies. This is fraught with disruption in the work of the psychomotor apparatus.

A number of manifestations of neurological pathology require immediate intervention, as they pose a threat to life.

A child is born with an immature nervous system. Its formation continues until adolescence. However, the most active processes occur in the first year of life.

It is especially important not to miss the signs of pathology immediately after birth and until the age of one year, since at this time the child's nervous system has great compensatory abilities.

Among the neurological diseases that can be diagnosed by symptoms, the following are noted:

• encephalopathy;
• epilepsy;
• neuralgia;
• disorders of the autonomic nervous system;
• hydrocephalus;
• disorders of mental and speech development;
• enuresis;
• pathology of vision and hearing;
• autism.

What manifestations of neurological disorders should you pay attention to?

Babies up to 28 days old?

Some of the symptoms in the first time after birth may be a variant of the norm... For example, hypertonicity of muscle tissue manifests itself should alert parents if it does not weaken a week after the baby is born.

Of great importance when examining newborns is the assessment of reflexes. Their absence or weakening indicates neurological pathology:

For babies up to a year

In infants under one year old, reflexes are also checked during examinations. But over time, attention is paid to their attenuation. Many reflex movements, normally, do not stay with a person for life. They are needed only in the first months after birth:

In addition to reflex movements, the following symptomatology should alert babies up to a year old:

1. Tremor of the chin and limbs, marbling of the skin... In the first month of life, such symptoms can be physiological. Their preservation for a longer time indicates the presence of neurological disorders due to the trauma suffered either during the birth period or after birth.
2. Head growth too fast... It can occur due to an increase in cerebrospinal fluid in the CSF spaces. This can be confirmed using neurosonography. In severe cases, an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid indicates the death of brain cells. Only bypass surgery can save the child.
3. Strabismus. This problem is not only ophthalmic, but also neurological. The cause of strabismus is the lack of functioning of the III, IV, VI cranial nerves that innervate the oculomotor muscles. The result of the violation is paralysis of the eyeball.
4. Lagging in motor, mental and speech development... There are certain periods in which the child acquires new skills (the ability to keep his head, roll over, sit, stand, walk, show age-appropriate speech activity). Lack of progress in one or more areas may be due to damage to the central nervous system.
5. When leaning on the foot, the toes are tightly drawn... This sign is an indicator of increased muscle tone, which is caused by pathology in the work of the nervous system.

10 signs of a nervous system disorder in a newborn that you can identify yourself:

At the preschooler

At the schoolboy

The description of the neurological status of a school-age child is largely based on the same symptoms as in a preschooler. Noteworthy:

Treatment methods

Only born babies

In severe cases, with a hematoma and diagnosed hydrocephalus, the child needs surgery.

If the situation is limited to the manifestation of neurological symptoms without a critical picture according to the results of an instrumental examination, drug treatment is prescribed.

It includes:

Baths with soothing decoctions of chamomile, motherwort help the baby to calm down.

Breast swimming is practiced from the age of two weeks... Exercises performed in an aquatic environment release muscle tension.

Between 1 and 12 months

After the first month of life, massage is added to drug therapy and swimming. During the session, the specialist determines the state of muscle tone and performs the appropriate massage movements.

With hypertonicity, it is necessary to relax tense muscles, so the movements should be smooth, stroking, calm. With hypotonia, the opposite task is faced, with which more active patting cope.

During the massage session, infant gymnastics is performed... It is necessary to strengthen the muscle corset. This is especially important for weak back muscles, pathology in the cervical spine.

Preschoolers and schoolchildren

In preschool and school age, when neurological symptoms are eliminated, medication, physiotherapy, massage and water procedures are also used.

It is also important that the child adheres to the daily routine, which is often disrupted after graduation from kindergarten.... One of the ways to prevent neurosis in preschoolers and schoolchildren is to change activities.

It is important to limit your stay in front of the computer and TV.

In contrast to the neonatal period and infancy, neurological symptoms in preschoolers and schoolchildren can be prevented by preventive measures.

Neurological abnormalities are of a different nature and cause... Some of them are treatable and go away completely, others can be compensated for with timely treatment.

Neurology is usually called the pathology of the nervous system, although in reality it is the science that studies them. Pathological phenomena of the nervous system should never be ignored by doctors! Neurology in children - especially. Diseases of the nervous system lead to serious consequences, because the most optimistic diagnosis when ignoring the disease is a delay in the development of the speech and psychomotor apparatus. This may be followed by hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder. Such children are on the verge of neuroses, nervous tics and inappropriate behavior.

Symptoms of pathologies of the nervous system

Some signs of neurology in children are manifested quite eloquently, therefore, sleep disturbances, shaking chin or arms, legs, frequent regurgitation, and pinching of the toes in a standing position should alert parents. These symptoms are the reason for contacting a pediatric neurologist. However, the symptoms of neurology in children can be blurred, but if it is difficult for parents to notice them, then an experienced neurologist will be able to draw the correct conclusions.

Treatment of pathologies and prognosis

Fortunately, neurology in infants is, in most cases, amenable to correction and treatment. The doctor should carefully analyze the features of the baby's lifestyle, starting with monitoring the mother's pregnancy. If the neurology of premature babies or infants with pathologies has an unclear etymology, then additional studies are prescribed. Parents of the child are offered to conduct an examination of the fundus of the baby, ultrasound, Doppler, EEG. In extreme cases, an MRI may be required.

In the first months of a baby's life, the brain develops very actively, its structures mature, as well as mental and motor functions. It is for this reason that it is very important to diagnose and prescribe effective treatment as early as possible.

As a treatment, combined methods are often used, combining drugs, the clinical efficacy of which has already been proven, and massages, physiotherapy exercises, and physiotherapy. In addition, modern neuropathologists are constantly replenishing their arsenal with new methods of neurological rehabilitation: computer speech programs, methods for improving movement coordination, cerebellar stimulation, etc.

In order to be confident in the health of their child, parents should visit a neurologist every three months before reaching one year. Then the inspection is carried out annually.

The child's nervous system is one of the most important components of the whole organism. With the help of the nervous system, not only control over the activity of the whole organism as a whole is carried out, but also the relationship of this organism with the external environment. This relationship is carried out using the senses, receptors on the surface of the child's skin.

The nervous system is a very complex formation in a child's body. Any violation in her well-coordinated activity can lead to the development of rather serious diseases.

The development of the nervous system is uneven. The bookmark of the brain occurs in the early stages of pregnancy (1st week of intrauterine development of the child). But even after childbirth, the process of division and the formation of new nerve cells is not completed. The most intense period of the formation of the child's nervous system occurs in the first 4 years of life. It is during this period that the child receives more than 50% of the information that helps him in later life. Unfavorable environmental influences, infectious diseases, trauma during this period lead to the formation of the largest number of neurological diseases.

The physical activity of the child is also important, which is also controlled by the nervous system. While inside the uterus, the baby assumes a certain posture that allows him to occupy less volume. After birth, the baby can show various reflexes. The presence of these reflexes, on the one hand, are associated with the immaturity of the nervous system, and on the other hand, they help the child to survive in the environment. Gradually, during the maturation of the nervous system, many of the reflexes disappear, but some, such as swallowing, remain with us for life.

Sensory organs (sight, smell, touch, hearing) are very important in the child's life. These organs help the child navigate the environment, form an idea of \u200b\u200bobjects and phenomena, communicate and learn about the world. Any violations of these sense organs lead to the fact that it becomes very difficult for a child to perceive the world, to communicate with his peers. Speech plays an important role in the formation of communication, which will also be controlled by the nervous system. Speech impairment can be both a consequence of brain damage and organic diseases of the organs involved in the formation of speech. It is necessary to timely identify various speech disorders and treat these conditions, since speech is necessary not only for communication, but also for the correct assimilation of the acquired knowledge.

In some cases, it is quite difficult to recognize neurological diseases in children in the early stages, since they can hide behind the functional immaturity of the nervous system. In this case, only parents are able to provide all possible assistance to medical workers, since they are close to the child almost 24 hours a day, and can immediately determine whether the child's behavior has changed. A feature of neurological disorders in children is also the fact that many of them disappear almost completely in case of injury, timely, correct, although long-term treatment.

Having studied the articles collected in this section, you will be able to learn how to identify various conditions in children that may indicate the presence of a pathology of the nervous system in a child and draw the doctor's attention to this in time.