Brain & Nervous System

Articles In This Section

• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

  Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) makes it difficult for a child to move around, walk, or breathe. Although there is no cure, therapy and other treatments help improve a child's skills.

• Chiari Malformation

  Many kids with this brain condition aren't bothered by it. Those who have symptoms can often find relief with medicines or surgery.

• Is There a Connection Between Vaccines and Autism?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Raising a Child With Autism: Paige and Iain’s Story

  When their son was diagnosed with autism at age 3, Paige and Iain were devastated. Since then, Lochlan has gotten the treatment and services he needs, and is learning about the world around him. Read their story.

• What Is Pompe Disease?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Strokes

  This "brain attack" happens when blood flow to the brain stops, even for a brief second. Signs and symptoms of strokes in kids are similar to those in adults.

• Brain and Nervous System Cancers

  These cancers are the second most common type of cancer in children. When discovered early, they are usually treatable.

• 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.

• 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.

• Brain Tumors

  Brain tumors are the second most common group of childhood cancers. Treatment requires a very specialized plan involving a team of medical specialists.

• Concussions

  The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions can happen with any head injury, often without any loss of consciousness.

• 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.

• Epilepsy

  Epilepsy causes electrical signals in the brain to misfire, which can lead to multiple seizures over a period of time. Anyone can get epilepsy at any age, but the majority of new diagnoses are in kids.

• 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.

• Cerebral Palsy

  Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common congenital disorders of childhood. This article explains causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and more.

• Lyme Disease

  Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and other organ systems. If diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics, Lyme disease in kids is almost always treatable.

• Spina Bifida

  Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. It's usually detected before a baby is born and treated right away.

• Tourette Syndrome

  Tourette syndrome is a condition of the nervous system that causes involuntary movements and vocalizations known as tics.

• Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome)

  Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States. AHT results from injuries caused by someone vigorously shaking an infant.

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

  When a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy, she risks giving birth to a child who will be born with full-blown fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

• Asperger Syndrome

  Asperger syndrome (AS) is part of a group of diagnoses called "autistic spectrum disorders" - developmental disabilities that include autism and other disorders with similar characteristics.

• Neurofibromatosis

  Neurofibromatosis (NF) can cause tumors to grow on nerve tissue, producing skin and bone abnormalities. Learn more about NF, including how it's diagnosed and treated.

• Neurocutaneous Syndromes

  Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. The focus of treatment is to prevent or minimize complications and maximize the child's strengths.