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REGULARLY UPDATED NEUROLOGY INFO, TRIVIA, ALERTS AND TIPS
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NEUROLOGY INFO
Helping your Child Sleep Soundly
Follow a consistent routine (make bedtime the same time every night and get up about the same time every day). Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime (there should be a quiet period before your child goes to bed). Relaxing pre-sleep rituals may be helpful such as a warm bath or 10 minutes of reading. Exercise regularly (several hours before bedtime). Make sure your child is comfortable Don't substitute television-watching or videos for personal interaction at bedtime Screen television programs,videos, and computer games for age-appropriate material. Avoid food and drinks containing caffeine (chocolate, sodas, etc.)
A medical evaluation may be necessary if the child is still having problems sleeping to determine if there is a specific sleep disorder that needs to be addressed.
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| Stimulants can afffect the heart |
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MEDICAL ALERT!
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Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Metadate, Ritalin LA, Adderall, etc.) should not be taken if there is an underlying heart defect. If a child does not have a known cardiac problem but develops cardiac symptoms after starting a stimulant medication (chest pain, palpitation, etc.) that child should go immediately for a medical evaluation with the primary care doctor.
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Stimulants in some cases can cause psychotic symptoms and hallucinations. If such problems are noted, report it to the primary care physician
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NEUROBEHAVIORAL TIP
Many children have neurobehavioral and cognitive impairments such as: a short attention span, aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, oppositional and defiant behavior, mood swings, memory problems, dazed behavior, staring spells, repetitive and self-stimulatory behaviors, obsessive compulsive tendencies and mental (as well as sensory) processing difficulties. There are specific neurological disorders that can explain many of the above symptoms and should be considered. These include ADHD, Epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome and Autistic Spectrum disorder. see Brain disorders.
Here a few general recommendations:
Do not wait. Seek appropriate medical help as soon as possible. Understand that symptoms from the conditions listed above can be exacerbated by physical factors (such as poor nutrition, poor hydration, infection and lack of sleep) as well as emotional, pyshcological and stress-related problems. Always try to distinguish between 'won't' (problems resulting from defience and bad behavior) versus 'can't (problems that are involuntary and based on an underlying medical problem). Be consistent and persistent, whether it be with treatment, discipline or a search for answers. Never give up hope and try to always be optimistic.
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NEUROLOGICAL TRIVIA
Do you know who this individual is?
He was diagnosed early on with brain damage ( he was born without a corpus callosum and had extensive cerebellar abnormalities) and severe mental retardation. He did not walk until he was 4 years old. His parents were advised to place him in a long term institution, but his parents chose not to do so and discovered instead that their son, Kim Peeks, has extroardinary gifts. Today Kim Peeks:
Has read and memorized over 7600 books He is recognized as a 'mega savant' in 15 different areas He knows so many facts that his is called 'kimputor' He is the real 'Rainman'
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| Kim Peeks |
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