Pediatric Neurodegenerative Diseases
What are Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Pediatric neurodegenerative disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that result from progressive damage to cells and nervous system connections that are essential for mobility, coordination, strength, sensation, and cognition. Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide.
The risk of being affected by a neurodegenerative disease increases dramatically with age. With more Americans living longer, it means more people may be affected by neurodegenerative diseases in the coming decades. This situation creates a critical need to improve our understanding of what causes neurodegenerative diseases and develop new approaches for treatment and prevention.
Although there isn’t a definitive cure for most of these complex neurological diseases Lee Health offers comprehensive, individualized treatments to help patients manage them. We offer rehabilitation services that improve symptoms, increase mobility, and enhance the quality of life for your child.
Most Common Types Seen in Children
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
- Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
- Tuberous sclerosis with degeneration
- West disease
- Idiopathic degenerative encephalopathy associated with infantile spasms
- Werdnig-Hoffmann disease
- Hereditary spastic paraplegia
Symptoms
The symptoms in children and young adults often increase over time if left untreated. The symptoms vary in severity and can have different effects on your child's brain function and development. This may include but is not limited to:
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Behavioral Issues
- Vision Difficulties
- Speach Impairments
- Cognitive Impairments
- Learning Difficulties
Treatment Specialists
Lee Health offers a multidisciplinary team approach to rehabilitation to address the physical and psychological management of pediatric neurodegenerative diseases.
Patients receive care from a complete team, including:
- Pediatric Neurologists
- Pediatricians
- Speech Pathologists
- Psychiatrists
- Therapists
- Dietitians
When to See a Doctor
Visit your child's pediatrician if you notice symptoms. It is important to see your doctor once these symptoms become more established. The doctor will be able to diagnose your child and recommend the best treatment options.
Related Pediatric Neurological Disorders
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Learn more here about how our specialists at Lee Health can help.
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Developmental Delays in Children
A developmental delay refers to a child who has not gained the developmental skills expected compared to others of the same age. Our child development specialist can help you and your child with the challenges they experience.
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Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder
Neurological conditions such as epilepsy and seizures disorders can be hard to understand. Lee Health can help provide you with everything you need to know. Learn more here about what services we can offer and how we can help you live with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.
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Migraines and Chronic Headaches
When you experience pain or pressure in your head it can be difficult to differentiate it between a migraine and a headache. Learn more here about the difference between migraines and chronic headaches and how our Lee Health Neurologist can help relieve your symptoms.
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Neuromuscular Disease in Children
Neuromuscular disease can affect your child's muscles and the nearby nerves, causing muscle weakness and loss. Learn more here about how Lee Health can help you and your child.
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Tourette Syndrome (Movement Disorders)
Tourette Syndrome occurs in children and adults. It is a series of tics and repetitive outbursts that cannot be easily controlled. See a pediatrician if you think your child experiences Tourette Syndrome.
