Congenital Defects of the Brain and Nervous System

Congenital defects of the brain and nervous system can affect cognitive functioning, as well as the ability of the brain and nerves to communicate with the body. The brain and central nervous system begin to form early in pregnancy, often before a woman even realizes she is pregnant.
The brain and spinal cord make up the body's central nervous system. The brain serves as the body's command center, generating motor commands and sending nerve impulses that reach the body's muscles and cause movement. In addition, it receives and interprets nerve signals from the body. The spinal cord carries the nerve impulses to and from the brain, and transmits them to other nerves.
The other nerves in the body are part of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) nerves stimulate the body's organs and muscles. The PNS has two parts:
  • The somatic, or voluntary, nervous system, which lets people react to environmental changes
  • The autonomic, or involuntary, nervous system, which works automatically to maintain homeostasis.

Agenesis/Dysgenesis Corpus Callosum

The corpus callosum consists of neural pathways in the brain that allow for communication between the brain's two hemispheres. Absence (agenesis), partial formation or malformation (dysgenesis) of this pathway can lead to a number of symptoms, including:
  • Developmental delays
  • Poor coordination
  • Sensory processing problems
  • Social and problem-solving skills.
This pathway cannot be repaired or regenerated, but occupational, physical or speech therapy may help children affected with these conditions.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that can be caused by congenital abnormalities in the brain. Types of cerebral palsy include:
  • Ataxic
  • Athetoid
  • Spastic
  • Mixed.
Each type of CP results in a set of specific symptoms. No cure has been found for cerebral palsy; however, a child's quality of life and ability to function may be improved by services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Neural Tube Defects

Neural tube defects are abnormalities in the formation of the neural tube. This is the rudimentary structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects include:
  • Anencephaly
  • Chiari malformation
  • Encephaloceles
  • Hydranencephaly
  • Spina bifida.
The most severe neural tube defects are incompatible with life; affected infants die soon after birth. Others are treatable, often through surgery.

Treatment of Congenital Brain and Nervous System Defects

Treatment of congenital brain and spinal cord defects is complex, and depends on the location of the damage. Sometimes, the condition is so severe that the child may not live; in other cases, doctors and therapists can help affected children to function in daily life. In other cases, these birth defects may be treated surgically. Your child's doctors can provide information about options for treating your child's condition.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hypersomnia: An Overview

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by sleeping too much, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or a combination of the two. Hypersomnia is not the same as feeling tired due to poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep. Often, people with hypersomnia fall asleep suddenly throughout the day, a symptom the condition shares with narcolepsy. Symptoms of Hypersomnia Symptoms of hypersomnia often develop in adolescence or early adulthood. People with hypersomnia may sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, but still wake up feeling tired. Individuals may struggle to wake up after deep sleep and seem disoriented and confused. Hypersomnia often develops gradually, making it difficult for people to realize they are sleeping too much. Signs associated with hypersomnia include: Anxiety Headaches Irritation Loss of appetite Low energy levels Memory problems "Nap attacks" during the day Restlessness Sleeping too much Slow speech Slow thought proce...
Keep reading

Irritable Bowel Disease Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common disorder that affects the functioning of the bowel. Although the severity of the condition (also occasionally called  spastic colon ) can vary considerably from one patient to another, typical characteristics include changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea to constipation, cramp-like pains, bloating and a feeling of "gassiness." For some sufferers, IBS is little more than a minor inconvenience; for others it can be totally disabling. In extreme cases, the patient is unable to travel, function in the workplace or enjoy socializing. Common Misconceptions Irritable bowel syndrome is not . . . an imaginary disease.  IBS has biological causes and biological symptoms and is certainly not a condition that is "all in your mind. " caused by other diseases  such as gallstones or ulcers. an infection , although it can sometimes be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis or similar digestive system disorders. hereditary . a precursor to c...
Keep reading

Gastrointestinal Defects

Birth defects, also known as "congenital abnormalities," are structural defects in some part or system of the body that can affect the body's function. These congenital defects occur during fetal development, and are present in a baby from birth. Like other complex body systems, the gastrointestinal system (or digestive system), responsible for digestion and extracting nutrients from food, is vulnerable to congenital defects during its development. Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Function The gastrointestinal system is made up of several organs, including the: Mouth Esophagus Stomach Small intestine: Duodenum, jejunum and ileum Large intestine: Cecum, colon, rectum and anus. In healthy people, food enters the mouth, and is chewed and swallowed, passing through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach breaks down the food, then passes it into the intestines, where it is digested further, and particles from the food can be absorbed. Waste is stored in the r...
Keep reading