Best Paediatric Neurology Hospital in Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

Treatment and Procedures

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition commonly characterised by recurring seizures. A seizure is a transient disruption in the brain's electrical activity. It causes an abrupt shift in behaviour. On the contrary, normal brain function produces steady, minute electrical impulses that follow a predictable pattern. 

• Treatment

Anti-seizure drugs, often used with anti-seizure medications and surgery, are all methods of controlling epilepsy. 

• Medication: In roughly 60% to 70% of people with epilepsy, anti-seizure drugs can reduce or eliminate seizures. Anti-seizure medication is prescribed on an individual basis. The doctor will review further treatment alternatives. These may include specialised diets, medical equipment, or surgery.

• Diet Therapy: The two most commonly suggested diets for patients with epilepsy are the modified Atkins diet and the ketogenic diet, which are rich in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates. Such diets are generally prescribed to children who have failed to respond to medicine and are not surgical candidates.

• Surgery and Devices: When anti-seizure medication treatments fail to control your seizures, epilepsy surgery can be a safe and effective therapy option. Surgical resection (removal of aberrant tissue), disconnection (cutting fibre bundles that connect sections of your brain), stereotactic radiosurgery (targeted elimination of abnormal brain tissue), or neuromodulation device implantation are all alternatives. With continued use, neuromodulatory devices help lessen seizures by sending electrical impulses to the brain.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a combination of various disorders that affect a person's movement, muscle tone, and posture. Accelerated reflexes, floppiness or spasticity of the limbs and trunk, odd standing position, uncontrollable movements, shaky walking, or a combination characterise the condition.

• Treatment

Cerebral palsy can affect children and adults, and both may require lifetime medical care. Various medications, therapy, surgery, and other forms of treatment can help the patient function normally. The most typical forms of care for cerebral palsy include.

• Rehab and physical therapy: The therapy is typically started in the first few years of life or soon after a kid with cerebral palsy is diagnosed. 

• Orthotic equipment: The damaged limbs can be fitted with braces, splints, or casts, which can help with balance and movement. 

• Assistive technology and equipment: Using crutches, Velcro-fastened shoes, or specialised computer-based communication devices is a few examples of how they might make daily living easier.

• Medication: Unusual movement can be reduced, and several drugs can relax stiff or hyperactive muscles.

• Surgery: In case of severe symptoms, a youngster can require surgery. Surgery, for example, can lengthen rigid and firmly constricted muscles. 

Developmental Delay

Children with developmental delays have not acquired the expected developmental abilities compared to others of the same age. There could be delays in social skills, play, speech and language, cognitive development, and motor function. A child with a global developmental delay has two or more developmental domains exhibiting severe delays.

• Treatment

Development delay has no known cure, but therapies focused on the particular area of uncertainty are quite effective in assisting kids in catching up to their peers. A doctor for your child may suggest that they see one or more experts, depending on the nature of the issues. This therapy could consist of the following:

• Physical Therapy: Children with delayed gross motor abilities benefit greatly from physical treatment.

• Occupational Therapy: Helps improve fine motor skills and sensory processing.

• Speech and Language Therapy: Problems with comprehending, creating, and articulating words and speech sounds are frequently treated with speech therapy.

• Early Childhood Special Education: The stimulation of early developmental skills, such as play skills, is provided by early childhood special education.

• Behavioural Therapy: This helps children to socialise and communicate with others.  

Autism

Autism represents a developmental disorder that impairs speech, social interaction, and behaviour. There are various symptoms which include communication issues (verbal and nonverbal), repetitive behaviours, and narrow interests, which are some of its defining features. The complexity of symptoms differs significantly. Some patients can live independently, while others require extensive help. 

Treatment

Autism spectrum condition has no cure. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Doctors attempt to improve the functional ability of your kid by minimising symptoms and promoting development and learning. Your kid can learn essential social, communicative, practical, and behavioural skills with early intervention throughout the preschool years.

• Behaviour and communication therapy are potential treatment strategies. The variety of social, linguistic, and behavioural challenges linked to autism spectrum condition are addressed in several programmes. 

• Educational therapy includes educational programmes with a strict structure that frequently work effectively for kids with an autism spectrum disorder. 

• For Medications, certain drugs can help regulate symptoms but cannot alter the primary symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. 

• Family counselling helps a lot in these cases. 

• Other therapies, such as occupational and physical therapy, may be helpful for your kid, depending on their specific needs. 

ADHD

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that includes several recurrent problems, such as trouble paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. Low self-esteem, shaky relationships, average career or academic performance, and other issues might result from adult ADHD. 

Low self-esteem, problematic relationships, and subpar academic achievement can all be challenges for children with ADHD. With time, symptoms might sometimes get better. However, some people never fully recover from the symptoms of ADHD. 

• Treatment

ADHD in adults can be treated in a manner akin to that of ADHD in children. Medication, psychological counselling (psychotherapy), and management of any co-occurring mental health disorders are all included in adult ADHD treatment. Therapy and medication can both be used to be the most effective treatment for ADHD.

• Medication

Medication can assist people with ADHD in controlling their symptoms and discouraging behaviours in their relationships with friends, family, and others.
The most frequently prescribed drug for ADHD is stimulants.
Non-stimulant drugs are not as fast-acting as stimulants, but their impact lasts up to 24 hours.

• Therapy

Treating ADHD in kids, teens, and adults includes medication and therapy. The symptoms, such as conduct or anxiety disorders, can be effectively treated with medicine. These are a few of the potential treatments.

• Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation refers to encouraging you or your child to talk about ADHD and its impacts.

• Behaviour therapy

Parents, teachers, and other carers may all be involved in behaviour therapy, which offers help for those who care for children with ADHD.

• Social skills training

Social skills training involves your child participating in role-play settings. It seeks to teach them how to act in social circumstances by learning how their behaviour affects others.

Meningitis

The membrane that encircles the brain and spinal cord is inflamed by meningitis. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites are some of the possible causes. Fever, headaches, stiff necks, and sensitivity to light are among the symptoms. Antibiotics, antifungal, or antiviral drugs, as well as corticosteroids, may all be used as treatments, depending on the underlying reason. For some kinds of meningitis, vaccines are available. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid catastrophic complications like brain injury and death.

Treatment
For other infectious forms of meningitis, there are no specific treatments. Medications may be prescribed to decrease inflammation or alleviate your symptoms:

• Antibiotics for meningitis are caused by bacteria.

• Antifungal drugs for fungal meningitis.

• Antivirals for some viral meningitis cases, including those caused by influenza and herpesvirus.

• Corticosteroids such as Prednisone or dexamethasone can help reduce inflammation.

• Pain relievers.

• IV hydration with fluids.

Encephalitis

Encephalitis (en-sef-uh-LIE-tis) is a type of brain inflammation. Viral infection, bacterial infection, insect bites, and other factors can contribute. Infectious encephalitis is a condition that results in brain inflammation brought on by an infection. Additionally, it's referred to as autoimmune encephalitis when your immune system attacks the brain.

Encephalitis can, in some circumstances, prove fatal. Predicting how encephalitis may impact any person is challenging; therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Treatment:

• Antiviral medication is utilised if the herpes simplex or chickenpox viruses are the source of the encephalitis. 

• Steroid injections are utilised when immune system issues are the source of encephalitis and occasionally when the chickenpox virus is involved; typically, a few days' worth of treatment is required.

• Immunoglobulin therapy is a treatment that aids in immune system management.

• Plasmapheresis is a treatment that purges the blood of the chemicals affecting the brain.

• If encephalitis was caused by a tumour anywhere in the body, surgery to remove abnormal growths (tumours) may be necessary.

Neurodegenerative Disorders 

Neurodegenerative illnesses are diseases characterised by a gradual decrease of function and death of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Several physical abilities, including balance, mobility, speech, breathing, and heartbeat, are impacted by degenerative nerve illnesses. Many of these illnesses are inherited. 

Medical conditions, including alcoholism, tumours, or strokes, might occasionally be the root of the problem. Toxins, chemicals, and viruses are some of the other possible reasons. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are a few examples of neurodegenerative conditions.

Treatment

• Medications: There are a variety of drugs available to treat the symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders. These include medications to improve memory, relieve depression, and reduce tremors or stiffness.

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve mobility, strength, and balance. It’s recommended for children with movement-related neurodegenerative disorders.

• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy can help those with neurodegenerative disorders maintain their ability to perform daily activities.

• Speech Therapy: Speech therapy can help those with neurodegenerative disorders improve their communication ability.

• Supportive Care: Palliative care can provide symptom management and emotional support for those with neurodegenerative disorders. 

Neuromuscular Disorder

Neuromuscular disorders are a broad category of diseases that affect the peripheral nervous system, including the motor and sensory nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Muscle and nerve issues in your body cause neuromuscular illnesses, which impact the efficiency of your muscles. Muscle weakness is these disorders' most typical symptom.

Treatment
Most neuromuscular illnesses have no known cure; however, some can be effectively monitored and treated. Typical interventions comprise:

• Drug Therapy: Immunosuppressive medications are used to treat some muscle and nerve illnesses and nerve-muscle junction diseases. The discomfort caused by neuropathy is treated with anticonvulsants and antidepressants.

• Referrals to appropriate specialists: For orthopaedic surgery, thoracic surgery, neurological surgery, or other forms of surgery, patients may be referred to surgeons. In addition, patients can consult physiatrists, lung medicine experts, ophthalmologists, or specialists in physical, occupational, speech, or rehabilitation.

• Education and counselling for patients and family: Treatment may also involve directing patients to the proper support groups or genetic counsellors, in addition to individual and family sessions. 

• Additional examinations: Various professionals may evaluate patients as necessary, including dietitians and physical therapists.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

A hereditary (inherited) neuromuscular condition known as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) results in the weakening and degeneration of muscles. Motor neurons are a particular class of nerve cells in the spinal cord that regulate muscle movement. These are lost in individuals with SMA. The nerve signals that cause muscles to contract can’t reach the muscles without these motor neurons. Due to lack of use, several muscles shrink and weaken.

Treatment

SMA has no known treatment option. The kind of SMA and the symptoms determine the appropriate treatments. Aids like orthopaedic braces, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs are helpful for many SMA patients who get physical and occupational therapy.
Following are some remedies for this:

• A back brace specially designed to support the back and promote healthy spine development.

• Spinal surgery involves straightening the spine with metal hooks and rods before fusing it in place with bits of bone.

Medicines used for the management of some kinds of SMA include:

• Nusinersen (Spinraza) is a medication injected into the spine every few months to target the defective gene.

• Risdiplam (Evrysdi) is a medication administered as a liquid once daily that targets the second copy of the defective gene.

• Gene therapy drug Onasemnogene Abeparvovec (Zolgensma) delivers a healthy copy of the disease-causing gene by a single injection.

Paediatric Headache

Paediatric headache is a common problem that affects around 50% of children and adolescents. Migraine is the second most typical type of headache after tension-type headaches. Primary headaches are those that are unrelated to any underlying medical issues. In some circumstances, a headache specialist may be recommended, along with pharmacologic therapy and lifestyle changes. Proper diagnosis and care are essential for paediatric headache sufferers to improve their quality of life.

Treatment

Most of the time, you can take care of your child's headache at home with relaxation, reduced noise, lots of drinks, balanced meals, and OTC painkillers. The development of relaxation and stress management skills via various types of treatment may also be beneficial if your older child suffers from regular headaches.

Medications

OTPC analgesics: Childern often get headache relief from acetaminophen or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.). They ought to be taken as soon as a headache appears.
Medicines on prescription: Triptans, which are prescribed medications used to treat migraines, are efficient and safe for use in kids over the age of six.

Therapies

• Although it doesn't seem like stress causes headaches, it can provoke or worsen existing headaches.

• Training in relaxation includes deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation, in which you tense one muscle at a time.

• Biofeedback teaches your child how to manage specific bodily responses that aid in pain relief.

• Cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) therapy can teach your child how to cope with stress and minimise the frequency and intensity of headaches. 

Paediatric Stroke

Paediatric stroke is an uncommon illness that affects children: stroke and stroke of blood vessel illness (cerebrovascular). Strokes are classified as either ischemic (caused by insufficient blood flow) or hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding into the brain). When a brain blood vessel is damaged, the brain tissue loses blood supply and becomes harmed.

Treatment:
In the initial stages of a stroke, children's treatment will focus on increasing the blood supply to the brain. The following treatments are possible in combination:

• Medical Therapy: Your child might be given anticoagulants like aspirin, other blood thinners, and specialised vitamins. Hydroxyurea, transfusion treatment, or both may be used to treat children with sickle cell disease and stroke. 

• Interventional Neuroradiology: The doctor may insert a catheter inside the affected blood vessel to help repair the abnormal area if your child has abnormal connections in the blood vessels that supply the brain (arteriovenous malformation) or blood vessels with weakened walls that can bulge and tear (aneurysm).

• Surgery: Surgery may be indicated for certain forms of stroke and other cerebrovascular problems. Depending on the reason for the stroke, a specific form of surgery may be required. 

Spinal Cord Disorder

The location and degree of a spinal cord illness determine its course of treatment. Although some causes may be irreparable, treatment under the guidance of your medical team will help avoid further issues.

Treatment

Treatment in the early (acute) stages. Doctors in the emergency room concentrate on the following:

• Retaining your ability to breathe.

• Shock prevention.

• Neck immobilisation to prevent further spinal cord damage.

• Avoiding issues such as stool or urine retention, respiratory or cardiovascular problems, and the creation of deep vein blood clots in the extremities.

For treatment, if you suffer a spinal cord injury, you will typically be admitted to the intensive care unit.

• Medications: Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) injected through an arm vein (IV) has previously been utilised as a therapeutic option for an acute spinal cord injury.

• Immobilisation: Traction may be required to stabilise or align your spine. Soft neck collars and various braces are available as options.

• Surgery: Surgery is frequently required to remove bone fragments, foreign objects, herniated discs, or broken vertebrae that appear to be crushing the spine.

• Experimental treatments: Scientists are working on techniques to prevent cell death, reduce inflammation, and enhance neuron regeneration.

Movement Disorder

Movement disorders are a category of neurological illnesses characterised by aberrant movement. They might move more quickly, slowly, or more vigorously (like jerks, spasms, or shaking). They may impact voluntary acts you take or result in involuntary motions that are out of your control. There is intricate communication between your body's movements, such as elevating your leg or using your jaw and tongue to speak.

Treatment

Different treatments are used for movement problems based on the type of disorder. Since there is typically no cure for movement disorders, treatment focuses on symptom management. However, specific movement problems, such as medication-induced parkinsonism, are frequently curable.

• Anti-parkinsonian pharmaceuticals, anticholinergic drugs, anticonvulsants, and psychiatric medications are among the treatments used to treat movement disorders. Injections of botulinum toxin serve to prevent muscular spasms.

• Apomorphine infusion (similar to insulin pumps) is continuous slow infusion therapy.

• Stretching, strengthening, balancing, and coordination drills are all possible components of physical therapy. 

• Surgery, such as deep brain stimulation or thalamotomy, may be used to treat movement disorders. 

• Changes in nutrition, exercise, and sleep habits are examples of lifestyle alterations.

• Yoga and acupuncture are two alternative treatments that may be effective for some people.

Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy

The ketogenic diet is a method of treating patients with uncontrolled epilepsy. The diet, high in fat and low in carbohydrates, alters how the brain obtains the energy it needs to function. Both the low-sugar and high-fat components modify the 'excitability' of the brain, lessening the potential to produce seizures.

Around 30% of persons with epilepsy have seizures despite taking several treatments, a condition known as refractory epilepsy. Alternative treatment options are sought when even surgery is not the best option. One example is diet modification. 

How Does the Ketogenic Approach to Diet Treat Epilepsy?

The ketogenic diet has been used for years to treat epilepsy, especially in kids who don't react to medicines. It is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. This dietary regimen works by causing a condition of ketosis. It means your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This metabolic change helps control seizure activity as GABA is made more readily available in the brain. In addition to these potential antiepileptic effects, the diet may enhance mitochondrial function, lessen inflammation, and change gene expression.

Consult our best paediatric neurology hospital in Yeshwanthpur for diagnosis and treatment for neurological disorders.