Related Conditions and Treatments
AP-4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (AP-4-HSP)
Condition
AP-4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (AP-4-HSP) is a group of slowly-progressing neurodegenerative disorders.
Learn more about AP-4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (AP-4-HSP)
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
Condition
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) involves a brief but intense attack of inflammation (swelling) in the brain and spinal cord that damages the brain's myelin.
Learn more about Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Condition
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a neurologic condition that can cause muscle weakness and possible paralysis.
Acute Transverse Myelitis
Condition
Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) involves a brief, intense attack of swelling in the spinal cord that damages myelin.
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)
Condition
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare genetic condition that causes the buildup of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in the brain.
Anencephaly
Condition
Anencephaly is a condition present at birth that affects the formation of a baby's brain and the skull bones that surround the head.
Apert Syndrome
Condition
Apert syndrome, also known as acrocephalosyndactyly, is a genetic disorder that causes fusion of the skull, hands, and feet bones.
Apnea of Prematurity
Condition
Apnea of prematurity refers to what happens when a child doesn’t breathe for more than 20 seconds.
Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Children
Condition
An arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is an injury to the brain or spinal cord caused by a lack of oxygen to the area affected.
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
Condition
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of arteries and veins in the brain that disrupt the normal flow of blood.
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Condition
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental issue where people have trouble paying attention and controlling impulses.
Learn more about Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT)
Condition
An atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a very rare, aggressive tumor of the central nervous system.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Condition
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way your child develops and behaves.
Autoimmune Diseases
Condition
Autoimmune disease is when the immune system mistakenly begins attacking healthy cells and tissues.
Bacterial Meningitis
Condition
Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the three thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is the more dangerous form of meningitis.
Basilar Invagination
Condition
Basilar invagination is a rare condition in which the top of the spine compresses the brain stem.
Batten Disease
Condition
Batten disease is a very rare genetic disorder that affects the brain and nervous system.
Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)
Condition
Nocturnal enuresis, better known as bedwetting, occurs when a sleeping child cannot hold his or her urine at night.
Birth Defects and Congenital Anomalies
Condition
A birth defect is a health problem or a physical abnormality.
Bowlegs
Condition
Bowlegs (genu varum) is a condition in which a child’s legs curve outward at the knees.
Brain Aneurysms
Condition
A brain aneurysm is a weak point in a blood vessel within the brain.
Brain PET/CT
Treatment
A brain PET/CT scan is a safe, effective, and non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that provides highly detailed images of the brain.
Brain Scan
Treatment
A brain scan is a diagnostic imaging technique that provides images of blood flow in the brain. It can detect changes in blood flow within the brain that cannot be seen with other imaging methods.
Brain Tumors
Condition
Childhood brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), but both types can be life-threatening.
Bullying
Condition
Bullying is any kind of physical or verbal abuse of a child. It can have long-lasting effects on both the victim and the bully.
CDKL5 Disorder
Condition
CDKL5 disorder is a rare neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by early onset epilepsy, low muscle tone, and developmental challenges.
Cat Scratch Disease
Condition
Cat scratch disease is caused by a bacterial infection carried in cat saliva. The bacteria are passed from a cat to a human after the cat licks its paws then scratches human skin. Rubbing the eyes after petting a cat's fur can also spread cat scratch disease.
Cerebral Arteriopathies in Children
Condition
Cerebral arteriopathies are disorders that affect the arteries in the brain and are associated with an increased risk of stroke.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Condition
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect muscle tone, posture, and movement as a result of damage to the brain of an infant.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Children
Condition
Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare but serious condition that is a cause of stroke in children and newborns.
Choroid Plexus Brain Tumor
Condition
Choroid plexus brain tumors develop in the tissue located in the spaces of the brain called ventricles.
Concussions
Condition
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a rapid acceleration of the brain.
Congenital Toxoplasmosis
Condition
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite toxoplasma gondii and is usually acquired by the parasite getting into the body by the mouth (for instance, by eating undercooked meat).
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Condition
Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic condition that affects development and growth.
Craniopharyngioma
Condition
Craniopharyngioma is a childhood brain tumor.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Treatment
Deep brain stimulation therapy uses a small device similar to a pacemaker to send mild electrical pulses to the parts of the brain that are responsible for the involuntary movements.
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)
Condition
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas are highly aggressive and difficult-to treat-brain tumors found at the base of the brain. See how we treat them.
Down Syndrome
Condition
Down syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by developmental delays and learning disability.
Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET)
Condition
A dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) is a low-grade, slow-growing brain tumor.
Learn more about Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET)
Dysphagia in Children
Condition
Dysphagia is a term that means “difficulty swallowing.” It is the inability of food or liquids to pass easily from your child’s mouth, into the throat, and through the esophagus to the stomach during the process of swallowing.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Condition
Eastern equine encephalitis is a virus that’s spread by the bites of blood-sucking insects, such as mosquitos and ticks.
Electroencephalograms
Treatment
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a neurophysiologic technique primarily used in the evaluation of epilepsy.
Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Velocity
Treatment
Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) are specific tests that help your child’s doctor see how his nerves and muscles are working.
Learn more about Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Velocity
Encephalitis
Condition
Encephalitis means that the brain tissues have become inflamed. When brain tissues are inflamed, they don’t work properly.
Ependymoma
Condition
An ependymoma is a tumor that arises from cells that are found lining the ventricular system (areas of the brain or spinal cord where spinal fluid is found).
Epilepsy in Children
Condition
Epilepsy is a complex condition that makes a child susceptible to seizures.
Evoked Potentials
Treatment
Evoked potentials (EPs) measure electrical activity produced by external stimuli, like light flashes or sound clicks.
Facial Nerve Paralysis
Condition
Facial nerve paralysis happens when a child cannot move muscles that control smiling and blinking, among other facial movements.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Condition
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a group of abnormalities that occur in babies born to mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy.
Fragile X Syndrome
Condition
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause a range of learning and developmental problems.
Ganglioglioma
Condition
A ganglioglioma is low-grade tumor of mixed cell type.
Genetic Disorders
Condition
Genetic disorders include certain types of birth defects, chronic diseases, developmental problems, and sensory deficits that are inherited from one or both parents.
Genetic Testing
Treatment
Genetic testing can provide expectant parents information about a child’s risks for congenital conditions.
Giant Cell Tumor
Condition
A giant cell tumor is a benign solitary tumor that usually grows in the ends of long bones, and contains unusually large cells.
Glioblastoma Multiforme
Condition
Glioblastoma multiformes (GBMs) are high-grade gliomas that arise from the brain’s supportive tissue (glial cells).
Glioma
Condition
A glioma is a kind of brain tumor that originates from glial cells, which support and nourish neurons in the brain.
Gliomatosis Cerebri
Condition
Gliomatosis cerebri is a highly aggressive, rare form of malignant astrocytic tumor.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Condition
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) occurs when the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.
Head or Brain Injury
Condition
Head injury is a broad term that describes many different types of conditions — ranging from bumps and bruises to concussions, skull fractures, and serious brain injuries.
Headaches
Condition
Secondary headaches are caused by another medical condition. Primary headaches are most often migraine and tension-type headaches.
Heat Cramps, Exhaustion, and Stroke
Condition
Heat-related illnesses happen when a person is exposed to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or adequate fluids.
Hemifacial Microsomia
Condition
Hemifacial microsomia is a condition in which half of one side of the face is underdeveloped and doesn't grow normally.
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
Condition
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a form of vasculitis, a condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels.
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Condition
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) refers to a group of over 80 different genetic conditions that present with progressive spasticity (muscle tightness) and weakness.
Hip Dysplasia
Condition
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint has not developed properly and the socket (acetabulum) is too shallow.
Infantile Spasms
Condition
Infantile spasms, sometimes called West syndrome, are a type of seizure that occurs in babies.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Condition
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding inside or around the ventricles — spaces in the brain that contain the cerebral spinal fluid.
Ketogenic Diet
Treatment
A ketogenic diet (keto) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diet used to treat a number of conditions, including epilepsy.
Kleefstra Syndrome
Condition
Kleefstra syndrome is a rare condition that can cause developmental delay and intellectual disability.
Learning Disorders and Disabilities
Condition
“Learning disorder” and “specific learning disability” refer to a neurodevelopmental problem in which a child of normal intellectual potential is encountering unusual difficulty with their academic functioning that cannot be explained by inadequate educational opportunity or emotional or sensory disabilities.
Low-Grade Gliomas
Condition
Low-grade gliomas are brain tumors that originate from glial cells, which support and nourish neurons in the brain.
Lyme Disease
Condition
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the U.S.
Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Condition
Lymphoblastic lymphoma is a cancer of immature cells of the immune system.
Macrodactyly
Condition
Macrodactyly is an uncommon condition in which a baby's toes or fingers are abnormally large due to the overgrowth of the underlying bone and soft tissue.
Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor
Condition
A malignant rhabdoid tumor is a rare childhood tumor that commonly starts in the kidneys but also can occur in other soft tissues or in the brain.
Marfan Syndrome
Condition
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes the body's connective tissues to be weaker than they should be.
Medulloblastoma
Condition
A medulloblastoma is a brain tumor located in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls complex motor functions.
Meningioma
Condition
Meningioma is a slow-growing and usually non-cancerous tumor that originates in the meninges, the membrane layer covering the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis
Condition
Meningitis is a bacterial or viral infection that causes three thin layers of tissue that surround the brain and the spinal cord to swell.
Meningococcal Infections
Condition
Meningococcal infections are caused by a group of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.
Microcephaly
Condition
In microcephaly, the brain develops abnormally, causing the head to be much smaller than expected for the child's age.
Mitochondrial Disease
Condition
Mitochondrial disease is not a single disorder but an umbrella term for dozens of individual disorders in which the body’s cells have problems producing energy.
Movement Disorders
Condition
Children with movement disorders have involuntary movements or trouble moving in the way they intend to.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Condition
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is when the body's immune system reacts against the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
Muscle Weakness (Hypotonia)
Condition
Hypotonia is decreased muscle tone.
Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
Condition
Muscular dystrophy is a general name for a group of rare diseases that cause muscle weakness. It is caused by mutations in certain genes.
Myasthenia Gravis
Condition
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes the muscles, especially in the eyes, mouth, throat, and limbs, to weaken after periods of activity.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome in Children
Condition
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a rare disease of the blood, only occurring in four out of every 1 million children.
Neonatal Stroke
Condition
Neonatal stroke is stroke in newborns between birth and 28 days.
Nervous System Disorders
Condition
Nervous system disorders can involve a range of conditions that may be chronic or may be triggered by secondary factors.
Neuroblastoma
Condition
Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that begins in nerve tissue of young children.
Neurocritical Care
Treatment
Neurocritical care is a field devoted to protecting and treating the brains of critically ill and injured children.
Neurocutaneous Syndromes
Condition
Neurocutaneous syndrome is a broad term for a group of neurologic (brain, spine, and peripheral nerve) disorders.
Neurofibromatosis
Condition
Neurofibromatosis 1 is a genetic condition that causes symptoms including tumors (called neurofibromas) formed from nerve tissue.
Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Condition
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic disorder that causes slow-growing tumors to develop on the eighth cranial nerve.
Neurogenic Bladder
Condition
Neurogenic bladder is a urinary tract dysfunction in which the bladder doesn’t empty, properly due to a neurological condition or spinal cord injury.
Neurological Diagnostic Tests
Treatment
Neurological diagnostic tests help physicians evaluate and diagnose damage to the nervous system — which consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves from these areas.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Condition
Neuromuscular scoliosis is one of three main types of scoliosis that cause an irregular curvature of the spine.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Condition
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when a child’s breathing is repeatedly blocked during sleep.
Oligodendroglioma
Condition
Oligodendrogliomas are low-grade gliomas, a type of brain tumor, that arise from a type of cell called an oligodendrocyte.
Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome
Condition
Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome happens when a small tumor or a viral infection triggers the immune system to attack the nervous system.
Optic Nerve Glioma (Optic Pathway Glioma)
Condition
An optic nerve glioma (also called an optic pathway glioma) is a slow-growing brain tumor that arises in or around the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.
Optic Neuritis (ON)
Condition
Optic neuritis (ON) involves an attack of inflammation (swelling) in your optic nerve.
Os Odontoideum
Condition
Os odontoideum happens when a separation occurs at the top of the spine.
Osteoblastoma
Condition
Osteoblastoma is a benign, bone-forming tumor that’s most often found in the lower vertebrae of the spine or long bones of the lower extremity.
PHACE Syndrome
Condition
PHACE is an associated collection of disorders characterized by a large infantile hemangioma on a child's face, scalp, and neck
Parkes Weber Syndrome
Condition
PWS is an exceptionally rare congenital vascular anomaly that results in a child having a large number of abnormal blood vessels.
Pediatric Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus)
Condition
Lupus causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body. It’s unpredictabe: It can affect many parts of the body at the same time.
Learn more about Pediatric Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus)
Pediatric Neurological Examination
Treatment
A neurological exam is a simple series of tests that allows your child’s doctor to watch your child nervous system in action so they can assess it.
Pediatric and Childhood Cancers
Condition
While childhood cancer is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring intensive treatment, the majority of pediatric cancers are treatable.
Pfeiffer Syndrome
Condition
Pfeiffer syndrome is a complex genetic disorder in which certain bones in the skull fuse early in their development.
Phelan-McDermid Syndrome
Condition
Phelan-McDermid syndrome, also called 22q13 deletion syndrome, is a genetic disorder caused by deletion of part of chromosome 22 or a defect in a gene called SHANK3.
Prematurity
Condition
A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature. Slightly fewer than 12 percent of all babies are premature.
Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (PNET)
Condition
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) and pineoblastoma are a group of tumors defined by their appearance and are thought to develop from primitive (undeveloped) nerve cells in the brain.
Rabies
Condition
Rabies is a viral infection of certain warm-blooded animals (such as skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and bats) and is caused by a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family.
Rett Syndrome
Condition
Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes a loss of spoken language and motor skills, as well as behavioral and neurological problems.
Reye Syndrome
Condition
Reye syndrome is a rare condition that affects the normal chemical balance in the body, resulting in potential damage to all organs, but primarily the brain and liver.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Condition
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an infection caused by a type of bacteria carried by ticks.
Scleroderma
Condition
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune condition that leads to scarring of the skin, joints, and other internal organs.
Seizures in Children
Condition
Seizures happen when brain cells fire or “talk” too much, temporarily disrupting the brain’s normal electrical signals. They’re quite common, especially in infants and young children.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Condition
Spinal muscular atrophy is when muscles throughout the body are weakened because nerve cells in the spinal cord and brainstem do not work properly.
Stroke in Children
Condition
Stroke is a general term that is used to describe an injury to the brain caused by either bleeding (referred to as hemorrhagic stroke) or a lack of oxygen due to vessel obstruction (referred to as ischemic stroke).
Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Condition
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare neurological condition that is present at birth and is not hereditary.
Syncope
Condition
Syncope is the medical term for fainting. It’s a temporary loss of consciousness that occurs when not enough blood goes to the brain.
Tectal Gliomas
Condition
A tectal glioma is a low-grade, slow-growing brain tumor in the tectum, the roof of the brain stem.
Tetanus
Condition
Tetanus is an acute, sometimes fatal, disease of the central nervous system, caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium.
Thalamic Astrocytoma and Hypothalamic Astrocytoma
Condition
Thalamic and hypothalamic astrocytomas are tumors that develop in the brain’s glial or supportive tissues.
Learn more about Thalamic Astrocytoma and Hypothalamic Astrocytoma
Thrombosis (Blood Clots)
Condition
Thrombosis is a blood clot that develops within veins or arteries in the body.
Tick Bites
Condition
Ticks are small insects that attach their bodies onto a human or animal host. Bites often occur at night and occur more in the spring and summer months.
Torticollis
Condition
Torticollis, or wryneck, is a twisted neck. It’s relatively common in children.
Tourette Syndrome
Condition
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by multiple repeated, unintentional tics.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Condition
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a life-threatening skin disorder characterized by a blistering and peeling of the skin.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Condition
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening complication of bacterial infection or colonization.
Transient Ischemic Attack
Condition
Transient ischemic attacks are temporary deficits in neurologic function caused by a brief interruption of blood flow to part of the brain.
Treacher Collins Syndrome
Condition
Treacher Collins syndrome is a genetic birth disorder characterized by the premature joining of certain bones of the skull during development.
Trisomies and Monosomies
Condition
A trisomy and a monosomy are types of numerical chromosome abnormalities that can cause certain birth defects.
Trisomy 18 and 13
Condition
Trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 are fatal genetic birth disorders.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)
Condition
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic condition that causes tumors to grow in many different organs of the body.
Turner Syndrome
Condition
Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects females who have a missing or incomplete X chromosome.
Wilms Tumor
Condition
Wilms tumor is a cancerous tumor in the cells of the kidney.
Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
Condition
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare genetic immunodeficiency that keeps a child's immune system from functioning properly.