Brain Damage

Brain damage in children

Brain damage in children occurs when the child’s brain suffers an injury, which can affect their cognitive, emotional, and motor development. This injury can be caused by various reasons, such as an infection, a head trauma, a genetic disease, lack of oxygen during childbirth, or problems during gestation.

In Spain, there are around 1,000 cases of acquired brain damage in children under 15 years of age each year, according to data from the Ministry of Health. Of these cases, 15% are caused by a traumatic head injury, while the rest are due to other causes, such as diseases or lack of oxygen during childbirth.

The impact of brain damage on the child will depend on the severity and location of the brain injury, as well as the age of the child at the time the injury occurred. Symptoms may include difficulty speaking, learning problems, motor problems, seizures, sleep disorders, emotional and behavioral problems.

The treatment of brain damage in children will depend on the cause and severity of the brain injury. Various therapies can be applied, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and behavioral therapy. In addition, medications may be prescribed to control symptoms and prevent complications.

Infantile cerebral palsy (ICP)

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement and posture that occurs due to an injury to the brain early in life. This injury can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, stiffness, lack of coordination, and problems walking. ICP is a chronic condition that can have different causes, such as a brain injury during childbirth, an infection during pregnancy, a head trauma, or a genetic disease.

In Spain, it is estimated that there are around 120,000 people with ICP, of whom 80% were diagnosed before the age of 2 years, according to data from the Spanish Cerebral Palsy Federation (FEDPC). ICP affects around 2-3 of every 1,000 live births in Spain, and around 1,800 children are born with ICP each year.

The impact of ICP on the child will depend on the severity and location of the brain injury. There are several types of ICP, which are classified according to the type and location of the symptoms. The three main types of ICP are spastic, dyskinetic, and ataxic. Each type of ICP can have different degrees of severity and must be evaluated individually by a specialized medical team.

The treatment of ICP focuses on managing symptoms and developing skills to help the child reach their maximum potential. This may include therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral therapy, as well as medications to control symptoms and prevent complications. Surgery may also be an option for some children with ICP, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Each therapy has a different approach.

Physiotherapy can improve mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength, while occupational therapy focuses on helping the child perform daily tasks. Speech therapy focuses on improving the child’s ability to communicate and develop language skills. Behavioral therapy can help improve the child’s ability to control their emotions and behavior.

Although ICP is a condition that cannot be cured, proper treatment and rehabilitation can significantly improve the child’s quality of life and allow them to lead a full and active life. It is important that the child receives individualized attention and care from a specialized medical team to obtain the best possible results.

At FIVAN, we provide comprehensive and personalized care to patients with infantile cerebral palsy, using advanced techniques and technologies to help them improve their mobility, communication, and overall quality of life.

Genetic syndromes and rare diseases

Genetic syndromes are disorders caused by mutations in the individual’s genes. These mutations can affect one or more functions of the body, such as physical development, metabolism, and the immune system. Genetic syndromes can be hereditary or can occur spontaneously and can have different degrees of severity, from mild to life-threatening. Childhood genetic syndromes affect the physical and/or cognitive development of children. Some of the most common genetic syndromes in childhood include Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, and Williams Syndrome. It is important to note that these disorders can vary significantly in terms of their symptoms and severity, and that treatment should be tailored to the individual needs of each child. Rare diseases are disorders that affect a small number of people compared to the general population. These diseases are often chronic, debilitating, and can have a wide variety of symptoms and degrees of severity. Most rare diseases are of genetic origin, but they can also be caused by infections, exposure to toxic substances, or autoimmune problems. Rare diseases can be difficult to diagnose because they are uncommon and can have symptoms similar to other more common diseases. Often, people with rare diseases face significant challenges in accessing specialized medical care, treatments, and emotional support. Some of the most common childhood rare diseases include Angelman Syndrome, Batten Disease, Coffin-Lowry Syndrome, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, Gaucher Disease, Hirschsprung Disease, Hunter Syndrome, Krabbe Syndrome, Morquio Syndrome, Niemann-Pick Disease, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Wilson’s Disease, and Wolfram Syndrome.” At FIVAN, we focus on providing specialized care to patients with rare diseases and genetic syndromes, offering innovative and cutting-edge therapies to improve their mobility, communication, and cognitive skills, helping them reach their maximum potential.

Childhood head trauma

Childhood head trauma is an injury to a child’s head that can occur due to a fall, a traffic accident, or abuse. Head trauma can be mild, moderate, or severe, and can affect different parts of the brain. Globally, TBI is a leading cause of disability and mortality in children and young people. In Spain, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics, 3,407 cases of TBI were registered in children under 14 years of age in 2020. Male children had a higher rate than female children. The main causes of TBIs were traffic accidents and falls. Rehabilitation in childhood head trauma focuses on helping the child recover from the physical and cognitive skills lost due to the head trauma. Rehabilitation is adapted to the individual needs of the child and may include different types of therapy, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological therapy. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy focuses on helping the child regain muscle strength, balance, and coordination. A physiotherapist can design a plan of exercises and specific therapies to help the child improve their ability to move and perform daily activities. Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on helping the child develop skills to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and playing. An occupational therapist can work with the child to improve their coordination, dexterity, and muscle strength. Speech therapy: Speech therapy focuses on improving the child’s ability to communicate and develop language skills. A speech therapist can work with the child to improve their ability to speak, understand, and use language. Psychological therapy: Psychological therapy can help the child manage the stress and anxiety associated with head trauma. A psychological therapist can work with the child and their family to develop strategies to control behavior, improve attention, and reduce anxiety. At FIVAN, we focus on offering specialized and personalized care to children who have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), using advanced techniques and innovative therapies to help them recover their mobility, communication, and cognitive skills, and supporting them on their path to a complete and successful recovery.

Brain tumor

A childhood brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in a child’s brain or spinal cord. Brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and can occur in different parts of the brain and spinal cord. Brain tumor is a rare disease in the child population, although it can be serious and have significant consequences for the development and quality of life of affected children. In Spain, according to the Spanish Society of Pediatric Oncology, it is estimated that around 300 cases of brain tumors are diagnosed each year in children under 14 years of age. The 5-year survival rate for children with brain tumors is approximately 70%, although it can vary significantly depending on the type of tumor and the treatment received. The symptoms of childhood brain tumor can vary, depending on the location and size of the tumor, but some of the most common symptoms include headaches, vomiting, changes in vision, seizures, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, and changes in personality or behavior. The diagnosis of childhood brain tumor can be challenging because the symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and different tests, such as computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging, may be required to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment of childhood brain tumor depends on the type and severity of the tumor and may include different options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment can have significant side effects, so it is important that specialized monitoring and care is provided for the child. Rehabilitation in childhood brain tumor is a comprehensive process that seeks to help the child recover the physical and cognitive skills lost due to the tumor and its treatment. Rehabilitation focuses on helping the child return to performing daily activities, such as walking, talking, and eating. Rehabilitation may include different types of therapy, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological therapy. Each type of therapy is adapted to the needs of the child and focuses on improving their quality of life and helping them reach their maximum potential. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy focuses on helping the child improve their muscle strength, balance, and coordination. A physiotherapist can design a plan of exercises and specific therapies to help the child improve their ability to move and perform daily activities. Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on helping the child develop skills to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and playing. An occupational therapist can work with the child to improve their coordination, dexterity, and muscle strength. Speech therapy: Speech therapy focuses on improving the child’s ability to communicate and develop language skills. A speech therapist can work with the child to improve their ability to speak, understand, and use language. Psychological therapy: Psychological therapy can help the child manage the stress and anxiety associated with childhood brain tumor and its treatment. A psychological therapist can work with the child and their family to develop strategies to control behavior, improve attention, and reduce anxiety. At FIVAN, we are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care to children who have experienced the sequelae of a brain tumor, using innovative and advanced therapies to help them overcome the difficulties that may arise, improve their well-being and quality of life, and help them reach their maximum potential.

stroke

Childhood stroke, also known as pediatric stroke, is a rare condition that occurs when there is an interruption of blood flow to a child’s brain. This interruption of blood flow can be caused by different factors, such as a brain hemorrhage, a blood clot, or the obstruction of an artery. In Spain, according to data from the Spanish Society of Neurology, stroke affects around 120 children a year, which represents around 2% of all stroke cases. Childhood stroke can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the interruption of blood flow. Some of the common symptoms include weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding language, balance and coordination problems, and changes in vision. Risk factors for childhood stroke include pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, and head injuries. The diagnosis and treatment of childhood stroke can be challenging because it is a rare condition and can present symptoms similar to other diseases. The treatment of childhood stroke depends on the cause and severity of the interruption of blood flow and may include different therapies, such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Medications may also be prescribed to control symptoms and prevent complications. At FIVAN, we provide specialized and personalized care to children who have suffered a stroke, using advanced techniques and innovative therapies to help them recover their mobility, communication, and cognitive skills, and supporting them on their path to a complete and successful recovery.