So, residual encephalopathy in children, what is it? This disease, which is characterized by the death of cells in a certain area of the brain, as a result of which the proper functioning of the central nervous system is disturbed. Provoke him a lot of factors, the most important period in the development of the brain - perinatal and neonatal.
Residual encephalopathy of the brain develops for a number of reasons:
- heredity;
- birth trauma;
- the mother is at risk (smoking, alcohol, taking psychotropic substances during pregnancy, diabetes, age less than 20 or more than 35 years);
- oxygen starvation of the fetus;
- intrauterine infection;
- jaundice in infancy;
- craniocerebral injury of the infant.
All these factors can provoke irreversible processes, because of which the nerve cells completely or partially die. There may be increased nervousness, excitability or attacks of headaches. It is much worse when encephalopathy develops into cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, oligophrenia. Parents should know that if the disease is diagnosed early (the first days or weeks of the baby's life), then the treatment can completely eliminate all the symptoms and prevent the development of the disease. If by any parameters you think that you are at risk, it is better to examine the child as early as possible. Otherwise, during the newborn period, encephalopathy can not be noticed at all, and in a year or ten years it can become a serious problem.
Symptoms of residual encephalopathy
A number of signs that parents may notice abnormalities of the child and send them for examination:
- increased excitability (the child cries for most of the day without a cause) and nervous sleep;
- hypertension of muscles;
- bulging eyes;
- inadequate reaction to sound, light, people;
- lethargy;
- absence of sucking reflex;
- jaundice (Botkin's disease).
If any of these symptoms are identified, the child should be immediately examined by a neurologist. In childhood, in addition to more dangerous diseases, encephalopathy can provoke developmental delays. If the disease is not cured, then in the adult state a person can face its consequences, which will manifest after a serious infection or brain trauma.
Treatment of residual encephalopathy in children
The doctor prescribes a method of treatment based on the causes that caused the disease itself. Most often, these drugs are medications that normalize blood circulation and bring muscle tone back to normal. But parents on their own can help the child to recover faster. As much time as possible spend in the open air, create a healthy and peaceful atmosphere for the child in the house, do the recommended development games with him.
A special value for residual encephalopathy in children is massage. It does not matter if you drive a child to a wellness center or invite a specialist to a house, a full course will help you get rid of many problems, improve muscle functioning and blood circulation.
Residual encephalopathy in children is a terrible disease that threatens with very serious consequences, but it is well treatable if it is noticed in time. Parents should understand that every effort should be made to prevent it from occurring, and also be very attentive to the child of the first months of life so as not to miss the symptoms.