There has been a rise in neurological and psychological causes in babies and infants due to the rising era and fast-growing lifestyle. What got considered rare (neurological cases) has become one of the most common syndromes and diseases in a baby. Hence due to the increase in cases, there is also an increase in demand for neurologists and psychologists, especially in the pediatric age group.
Why do we exactly need a Pediatric neurologist?
There are many reasons but first, let us know what precisely a pediatric neurologist is. They are qualified doctors who deal with diagnosing and managing neurological cases in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents.
Reasons to visit a pediatric neurologist
One should pay a visit to the specialist if they feel their child is suffering from some neurotic case, ranging from mild migraines to severe disorders. Some of the examples are-
1.Poliomyelitis
It is nowadays not so common in children, but still rare cases occur. The child may have certain signs and symptoms, including mild cases of diarrhea and fever or extreme cases of asymmetrical paralysis of lower limbs and respiratory muscles. In such cases, it is advisable to visit the nearest pediatrician as soon as possible.
2.Spina bifida
It is a congenital disorder that occurs due to failure of fusion of the arches of the spinal cord. The symptoms include muscle imbalance, a tell-tale sign of face, meningocele, and myelocyte. In such cases, immediate treatment must start to avoid the death of the child.
3. Cerebral palsy
It is a neuromuscular disorder of cerebral origin. The child may have a delay in developmental milestones such as walking, limb paralysis, exaggerated reflexes, ocular defects, speech defects, and mental retardation.
4. Autism
In these cases, there is an impairment in the nervous system leading to difficulties during interaction and communication by the child. There is learning difficulty, speech delay, lack of attention, self-harm, and overall mental retardation. In such cases, a neurologist may say hell to assess the cause and treat it accordingly.
5. ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
It begins in childhood and may lead to excessive impulsiveness, hyperactiveness, irritability, short attention span, aggression, anger and anxiety, and difficulty learning.
6. In cases of trauma to the head or back due to falling leading to head injuries, consultation with a neurologist is a must to know whether there is any brain damage or not and to know whether there will be any problem in the growth of the child both physically and mentally.
7. Other conditions to which a neurologist must be referred are epilepsy, seizures, convulsions, frequent headaches, migraine attacks, hydrocephalus ( excessive fluid accumulation in the brain tissue), sleep disorders, and brain tumors.
Suppose a child is suffering from any of the conditions mentioned above. In that case, a neurologist must get consulted so that the doctor can assess and diagnose the conditions and treat them accordingly. There is no complication or retardation in the child’s growth, both physically and mentally. To find a pediatric neurologist near you [click on the link].
What is a child psychologist and when to visit them?
A child psychologist is a specialist who deals in the study and problems related to the child’s clinical, social, behavioral, and cognitive development. A child's mental health is affected by the environment in which he grows and the people he is surrounded with, which can ultimately lead to positive or negative effects on his health.
There are some cases for which a child may need a psychologist
Some of them are:
1. Excessive irritability and anger at small things
2. Regression from his favorite work and hobbies, the child does not show any interest in anything
3. Sleep pattern change- it may be increased or decreased as compared to normal
4. Anxiety on small things, even in well-known surroundings
5. Isolation: spending too much time at home, in his room, not going out, and not playing with their friends. to find a child psychologist near you.
Conclusion:
In case we see a child having any of the signs mentioned above or symptoms. It is advisable to consult a neurologist or a psychologist, depending on the need. It should not be delayed as it will ultimately affect the child’s growth in both planes at a physical and mental level, which may remain lifelong.
