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• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

  Brief pauses in breathing during sleep can be normal. But when breathing stops often or for longer periods, it can be a cause for concern.

• Sleep and Your Teen

  Teens need about 8–10 hours of sleep a night, but many don't get it. Keeping these tips in mind can help your teen get a good night’s sleep.

• Sleepwalking

  Although it can be unnerving to see, sleepwalking is actually very common in kids. Here's how to keep your young sleepwalker safe.

• Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

  If your child has blood in the urine, don't panic. Most of the time it's not serious. Find out what causes it and what to do about it.

• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

  Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) happens when the autonomic nervous system — which controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing — doesn't work as it should.

• Premature Ventricular Contractions

  A premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is an early heartbeat that happens between normal heartbeats. PVCs usually are harmless.

• Pulmonary Stenosis

  Pulmonary stenosis means the pulmonary valve is too small, narrow, or stiff. Many people have no symptoms, but kids with more severe cases will need surgery so that blood flows properly through the body.

• Pulse Oximetry (Pulse Ox)

  Pulse oximetry, a simple test that measures the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, may give the first clue that there is a heart or lung problem.

• Raynaud’s Syndrome

  Raynaud's syndrome makes a person's fingers or toes temporarily feel cold, numb, tingly, or painful.

• Sclerotherapy

  Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which medicine is injected into blood vessels or lymph vessels to make them close. It's used to treat vascular malformations.

• Sickle Cell Disease

  Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that makes red blood cells change shape and cause health problems. Find out how to help your child.

• Single Ventricle Defects

  Usually, a heart has two working ventricles (pumping chambers). Having a single ventricle means that only one of the two ventricles works well enough to pump blood.

• Splenic Sequestration

  Splenic sequestration is when too many blood cells get stuck in the spleen. This medical emergency can happen to people, usually kids, who have sickle cell disease.

• Sturge-Weber Syndrome

  Sturge-Weber syndrome is a problem with the way blood vessels grow in the skin, eyes, and brain. When a baby is born with a port-wine birthmark on the face, doctors will look for other signs of Sturge-Weber.

• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

  Supraventricular tachycardia is a type of abnormal heart rhythm in which the heart beats very quickly.

• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

  Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a combination of problems caused by a birth defect that changes the way blood flows through the heart.

• The Fontan Procedure

  The Fontan procedure is open-heart surgery. Often, it's done as the third of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

• The Glenn Procedure

  The Glenn procedure is an open-heart surgery. Often, it's done as the second of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

• The Lymphatic System and Lymphatic Conditions

  The body's lymphatic system keeps fluid levels in balance and defends against infections. But problems can happen. Find out about lymphatic conditions and how they're treated.

• The Norwood Procedure

  The Norwood procedure is an open-heart surgery. It's the first of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

• Tricuspid Atresia

  Tricuspid atresia is a congenital heart defect. A baby born with tricuspid atresia often has serious symptoms soon after birth because blood flow to the lungs is much less than normal.

• Hereditary Spherocytosis

  Hereditary spherocytosis is an inherited blood disorder. Treatments can help with symptoms.

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  When someone has hypertension (high blood pressure), the heart has to pump harder and the arteries are under more strain as they carry blood.

• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)

  Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a birth defect of a baby’s heart. The left side of the heart doesn’t grow as it should, making it smaller and weaker than normal.

• Infantile Hemangiomas

  A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. An infantile hemangioma becomes visible in the first few weeks after birth.

• Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA)

  An interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart condition in which the aorta doesn’t form completely. Surgery must be done within the first few days of a baby’s life to close the gap in the aorta.

• Iron-Deficiency Anemia

  Iron helps the body carry oxygen in the blood and plays a key role in brain and muscle function. Too little iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

• Kawasaki Disease

  Kawasaki disease is an illness that causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. When symptoms are noticed early and treated, kids begin to feel better within a few days.

• Levo-Transposition of the Great Arteries

  Levo-transposition of the great arteries (L-TGA) is when the positions of the heart's ventricles are reversed. Some people with the condition never need treatment. Others are treated with medicines and surgery.

• Long QT Syndrome

  Long QT syndrome is a condition that affects the electrical system of the heart. Some kids have no symptoms, while others may feel changes in their heartbeat or feel lightheaded.

• Lymphatic Malformations

  A lymphatic malformation is a clump of lymph vessels that form a growing, jumbled, spongy cluster. They're unusual growths, but are not cancerous.

• Metabolic Syndrome

  Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that put kids at risk for heart disease and diabetes. With lifestyle changes, many kids improve their health and reduce their risk of disease.

• Mitral Valve Prolapse

  Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a very common heart condition, but it isn't a critical heart problem or a sign of other serious medical conditions.

• Myocarditis

  The muscle that makes up the heart is called the myocardium. Myocarditis is when this muscle gets inflamed (swollen).

• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

  The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects two major arteries before birth and normally closes after a baby is born. If it stays open, the result is a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

  The foramen ovale is a normal opening between the upper two chambers of an unborn baby’s heart. It usually closes soon after the baby’s birth — when it doesn't, it's called a patent foramen ovale.

• Port-Wine Stains

  For most kids, these birthmarks are no big deal — they're just part of who they are. Read about port-wine stains, how to care for them, and, if necessary, what treatments are available.

• Dictionary: Left Atrium

  The left atrium receives blood full of oxygen from the lungs and then empties the blood into the left ventricle.

• Dictionary: Left Ventricle

  The left ventricle pumps blood full of oxygen out to the body.

• Dictionary: Open-Heart Surgery

  Open-heart surgery is surgery that involves opening the chest and heart. A heart-lung machine does the work for the heart and lungs during the procedure.

• Dictionary: Right Atrium

  The right atrium receives blood low in oxygen from the body and then empties the blood into the right ventricle.

• Dictionary: Right Ventricle

  The right ventricle pumps blood low in oxygen to the lungs.

• Dictionary: Sano shunt

  A Sano shunt is a small, soft tube that lets blood in the body be redirected.

• Dictionary: Single Ventricle Defect

  Having a single ventricle means that only one of the heart's two ventricles (pumping chambers) works well enough to pump blood.

• Dictionary: Superior Vena Cava

  The superior vena cava is the large vein that returns blood from the head and arms to the heart.

• Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV)

  Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a heart defect where the aorta connects to the heart in the wrong place.

• Ebstein Anomaly

  Ebstein anomaly is a rare heart defect that affects the tricuspid valve. It can cause problems that range from very mild to very serious.

• Echocardiogram

  An echocardiogram (also called an echo or cardiac ultrasound) uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. It shows the structure of the heart and its parts and how well they’re working.

• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

  Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the use of a machine to do the work that the heart and lungs normally do.

• Fetal Echocardiogram

  A fetal echocardiogram (also called a fetal echo) uses sound waves to create pictures of an unborn baby's heart.

• Heart Health Center

  Are you heart smart? Learn about this amazing muscle, including how to care for kids with heart conditions.

• Heart Murmurs

  Heart murmurs are very common, and most are no cause for concern and won't affect a child's health.

• Heart Palpitations

  Heart palpitations are rapid or irregular heartbeats that make it feel like the heart is racing or fluttering. They usually aren't a sign of a health problem, and most kids who have them won't need to limit their physical activity.

• Heart Transplant

  If your child needs a heart transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

• Heart and Circulatory System

  The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues. Brush up on your ticker with this body basics article.

• Aplastic Anemia

  Aplastic anemia happens when the body can't make enough blood cells. A person can develop anemia, infections, and bleeding. Treatments can help with most kinds of aplastic anemia.

• Arrhythmia (Abnormal Heartbeat)

  An arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat usually caused by an electrical "short circuit" in the heart. Many are minor and not a health threat, but some can indicate a more serious problem.

• Arteriovenous Malformations

  An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. Large AVMs or multiple AVMs usually needs medical treatment.

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

  Atrial septal defect (ASD) — also known as a "hole in the heart" — is a type of congenital heart defect. Most ASDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.

• Atrioventricular Canal Defect

  An atrioventricular canal defect (AV canal) is a heart problem in which the center of a baby's heart does not form normally before birth.

• Blood Types

  Categorizing blood according to type helps prevent reactions when someone gets a blood transfusion. Find out how blood types work.

• Body Basics: The Heart (Slideshow)

  Learn how this amazing muscle pumps blood throughout the body.

• Cardiac Arrest

  Cardiac arrest is when changes in the normal electrical activity of the heart make it suddenly stop beating. Quick medical care is essential.

• Cardiac Catheterization

  This minimally invasive procedure helps doctors perform diagnostic tests on the heart and even treat some heart conditions.

• Cardiac Stents

  Cardiac stents are very small mesh wire tubes that hold blood vessels open so that blood can flow through the vessels normally. Find out about the procedure to place a stent.

• Cardiomyopathy

  Cardiomyopathy is when the heart muscle becomes weak and enlarged. This makes it hard for the heart to pump blood through the body. Treatments can help with the symptoms and sometimes stop it from getting worse, but usually there's no cure.

• Coarctation of the Aorta

  Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is a narrowing of the aorta, the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the body.

• Congenital Heart Defects

  Heart defects happen when there's a problem with a baby's heart development during pregnancy. Most heart defects can be treated during infancy.

• Congenital Hemangiomas

  A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. A congenital hemangioma is one that a baby is born with. They're usually a bluish or purple circle or oval.

• Congestive Heart Failure

  Heart failure is when the heart can’t pump blood the way it should. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is when blood backs up in the heart.

• DASH Diet for High Blood Pressure

  Doctor may recommend the DASH diet for kids who've had a blood pressure reading that was higher than normal. The DASH diet is not a strict diet, but more of a lifestyle.

• Dictionary: Aorta

  The aorta is the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.

• Dictionary: Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt

  A Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt is a small, soft tube that lets blood in the body be redirected.

• Dictionary: Blood Pressure

  Blood pressure is a measurement that tells how hard the heart is pumping to move blood through the blood vessels.

• Dictionary: Heart Transplant

  A heart transplant is a surgery where doctors remove a person's sick heart and replace it with a healthy donor heart.

• Dictionary: Inferior Vena Cava

  The inferior vena cava is the large vein that returns blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart.

• Dictionary: Interstage Period

  Babies with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) need three surgeries. The time between the first and second surgeries is called the interstage period.

• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

  Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is the most common eye infection affecting kids. Learn more about pinkeye and how to prevent it from spreading.

• Preventing Eye Injuries

  Eye injuries in kids can lead to serious vision problems, even blindness. Wearing protective eyewear can prevent most eye injuries.

• Ptosis

  Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid. Many things can cause it.

• Quick Video Summary: Treating Tear-Duct Blockage (Tear Duct Massage)

  Blocked tear ducts are a fairly common problem in infants. If your child has a blocked tear duct, your doctor may show you how to massage the eye several times a day at home for a few months. Massaging can help open the blockage.

• Quick Video Summary: Treating Tear-Duct Blockage (Tear Duct Probe)

  Blocked tear ducts are a fairly common problem in infants. A common procedure called a tear duct probe can open the blockage.

• Retinitis Pigmentosa

  Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic condition that leads to vision loss over time.

• Retinoblastoma

  Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer that affects the retina, the area of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending nerve signals to the brain.

• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

  Retinopathy of prematurity, which can happen in premature babies, causes abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Some children will need surgery to prevent vision loss or blindness.

• Strabismus

  Strabismus causes eyes to wander or cross. Treatment may include glasses, patches, eye drops, or surgery.

• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

  A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a red spot on the white of the eye. It can look scary, but is usually harmless, doesn’t hurt, and won’t affect vision.

• Tear-Duct Blockage

  Blocked tear ducts are a fairly common problem in infants. The earlier they're discovered, the less likely it is that infection will result or surgery will be necessary.

• Your Child’s Vision

  It's important for kids to have their eyes examined regularly, as many vision problems and eye diseases can be detected and treated early.

• A to Z: Beta Thalassemia

  Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

• Anemia

  Anemia happens when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by many things, including dietary problems, medical treatments, and inherited conditions.

• Aortic Aneurysm

  An aortic aneurysm is weak spot in the large artery that carries blood from the heart (the aorta). Kids who have one need regular checkups and care to prevent emergencies.

• Aortic Stenosis

  Aortic stenosis means the aortic valve is too small, narrow, or stiff. Many people have no symptoms, but kids with more severe cases will need surgery so that blood flows properly through the body.

• VP Shunts

  A VP shunt is a small plastic tube that helps drain extra cerebrospinal fluid from the brain. Most VP shunts are placed to treat hydrocephalus.

• Vagus Nerve Stimulator Therapy for Epilepsy

  Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) therapy is a treatment for epilepsy. It helps prevent or shorten the length of seizures.

• What if My Child Was Exposed to Lead at School or Daycare?

  If your child’s school or daycare reported lead in their drinking water, here are some things to consider that can help you decide what to do.

• When Can Kids Go Back to School After a Concussion?

  Within a few days of a concussion, most students are ready return to school. Here's how parents can help.

• When Can Kids Return to Sports After a Concussion?

  After a concussion, athletes often ask how soon they can start playing again. Usually, they can return to sports when all symptoms are gone and a health care provider gives the OK.

• Amblyopia

  Amblyopia interferes with the way the eye and the brain work together. The result is poor vision. Treatment may involve glasses, patches, eye drops, or surgery.

• Astigmatism

  In astigmatism, the cornea or lens of the eye has an abnormal shape, which may make things look blurry or wavy.

• Black Eyes

  A black eye is bruising around the eyes that can look purple, black, or dark blue. Usually, they get better in a week or so.

• Congenital Cataracts

  A baby with congenital cataracts has clouding in one or both eyes. Doctors do surgery to treat them.

• Eyes

  The eyes are small compared with most of the body's other organs, but their structure is incredibly complex. Learn more about eyes, vision, and common problems with both.

• Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

  Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a vision problem that makes it hard to see nearby objects clearly.

• First Aid: Pinkeye

  Pinkeye is an inflammation of the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. Although some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, others require treatment.

• Glaucoma

  Glaucoma damages the optic nerve. The condition gets worse over time and leads to a loss of vision if not treated.

• How to Handle an Eye Injury

  Some eye injuries can be treated at home, while others require a visit to the doctor or emergency room. Find out what to do if your child has eye pain.

• Nearsightedness (Myopia)

  Nearsightedness (myopia) is a vision problem that makes it hard to see distant objects clearly.

• Lyme Disease

  Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and other organ systems. If Lyme disease is diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics, most people feel better quickly.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Brain

  A brain MRI, a safe and painless test that produces detailed images of the brain and the brain stem, can help detect cysts, tumors, bleeding, and other problems.

• Medulloblastoma

  Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor. Most brain tumors in children are medulloblastoma.

• Migraine Headaches

  Migraine headaches can cause severe pain and other symptoms. Read about migraine causes, treatments, prevention tips, and lots more.

• Multiple Sclerosis

  Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The symptoms of MS vary depending on which nerves are affected.

• Myasthenia Gravis

  Myasthenia gravis (or myasthenia) happens when voluntary muscles get weaker. Treatments can help symptoms.

• Newborn Brachial Plexus Injuries

  During childbirth, a brachial plexus injury can happen if the baby's neck is stretched to one side.

• Pompe Disease

  Pompe disease is a rare genetic condition that makes muscles get weaker over time.

• Seizures

  Seizures are caused by a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. Find out what you need to know about seizures and what to do if your child has one.

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy

  Kids with spastic CP have stiff muscles in the upper part of the body, the lower part, or both.

• Spina Bifida

  Spina bifida is a birth defect in infants that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. Learn more about spina bifida. Learn More.

• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

  Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy. There's no cure, but therapy and other treatments can help most people who have SMA.

• Strokes

  A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain stops, even for a second. Often, kids who have a stroke can learn to use their arms and legs and speak again through brain retraining.

• Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

  Kids with temporal lobe epilepsy have seizures that start in one of the temporal lobes of the brain. Seizures usually get better with medicine.

• Tourette Syndrome

  Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes uncontrolled sudden, repetitive muscle movements and sounds known as tics.

• Craniopharyngioma

  A craniopharyngioma is a rare type of benign brain tumor. Most people treated for a craniopharyngioma are cured.

• Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

  Dyskinetic CP, or athetoid CP, is a type of CP. Kids with dyskinetic CP have trouble controlling muscle movement.

• Epilepsy

  Epilepsy causes electrical signals in the brain to misfire, which can lead to multiple seizures. Anyone can get epilepsy at any age, but most new diagnoses are in kids.

• Epilepsy Surgery

  Epilepsy surgery is an operation done on the brain to reduce or stop seizures.

• Fainting

  Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. Someone who has fainted will usually recover quickly.

• Febrile Seizures

  Febrile seizures are full-body convulsions caused by high fevers that affect young kids. Although they can be frightening, they usually stop on their own and don't cause any other health problems.

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

  If a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy, her baby could be born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which causes a wide range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems.

• Focal Aware Seizures

  Focal aware seizures is a seizure that happens while a person is awake and alert and aware of what is going on.

• Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures

  During a focal impaired awareness aware seizure, the person isn’t aware of what is going on around them.

• Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

  During a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, the person loses consciousness and has stiffening and jerking of the muscles. These seizures usually are generalized, starting on both sides of the brain.

• Gliomas

  A glioma is a type of brain tumor that starts in glial cells, which support the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. Doctors treat most gliomas with surgery alone or combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome

  Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare medical condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Luckily, most people who get GBS recover.

• Headaches

  Headaches affect kids as well as adults. Learn about common causes and when to talk to a doctor.

• Hydrocephalus

  Often called "water on the brain," hydrocephalus can cause babies' and young children's heads to swell to make room for excess cerebrospinal fluid. Learn how this condition is managed.

• Infantile Spasms

  Infantile spasms is a seizure disorder in babies. The spasms usually go away by age 4, but many babies go on to have other kinds of epilepsy later.

• Intractable Epilepsy

  Intractable epilepsy is when a child's seizures can't be controlled by medicines. Doctors may recommend surgery or other treatments for intractable seizures.

• Is There a Connection Between Vaccines and Autism?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

  Kids with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy have myoclonic seizures that usually begin during the teenage years. Seizures may happen less often in adulthood, but medicine will likely be needed for life.

• Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy

  A ketogenic diet is a strict high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that can reduce, and sometimes stop, seizures.

• Lead Poisoning

  Long-term exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, particularly in young kids, so it's important to find out whether your child might be at risk for lead exposure.

• Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

  Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a rare type of epilepsy. Children with the condition have several different kinds of seizures.

• Absence Seizures

  An absence seizure is a type of generalized seizure. During this type of seizure, the person is not aware of what is going on around them.

• Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome)

  Abusive head trauma is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States. It happens when someone shakes an infant.

• Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)

  Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system.

• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

  Kids with ataxic CP have trouble with balance. They may walk with their legs farther apart than other kids. And they can have trouble knowing exactly where something is.

• Bell’s Palsy

  Bell's palsy is a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. Though it can be alarming, it typically goes away in a matter of weeks.

• Benign Rolandic Epilepsy

  Kids with benign rolandic epilepsy have seizures that involve twitching, numbness, or tingling of the face or tongue.