Neurological Issues
Commentary
by Carrie Stolz
Trystyn Stolz is a beautiful child, so full of energy and always happy. Now 17 months old, she functions at the level of a five-month-old, but she is trying to roll over. I am hoping that her energy will take her far.
This Month's Focus: Neurological Issues
Improving Attitudes of Medical Professionals Toward Children with Neurological Impairments
Noah was called a "twit" six times during one appointment with a developmental pediatrician.
Molly's parents were asked if they wanted to forego treatment for an illness simply because she was neurologically impaired and perhaps not "worth it."
Jaden's mom, when making treatment decisions about her child with a metabolic disease, was told by his pediatrician, "It's not like you can go to Big Lots and buy him a new brain."
Noah was called a "twit" six times during one appointment with a developmental pediatrician.
Molly's parents were asked if they wanted to forego treatment for an illness simply because she was neurologically impaired and perhaps not "worth it."
Jaden's mom, when making treatment decisions about her child with a metabolic disease, was told by his pediatrician, "It's not like you can go to Big Lots and buy him a new brain."
Umbilical Cord Blood Treatments for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Over
the past year or so, the popular media has featured several stories
about little boys and girls with cerebral palsy who have made
unbelievable progress after receiving umbilical cord blood infusions
from their own saved umbilical cord blood. Some of these children have
completely overcome all signs of motor impairments, while others have
started speaking, eating, and moving in more typical ways. Naturally,
parents of children with cerebral palsy want more information about
these treatments. This article will provide a brief introduction to
these treatments, who might be eligible for them, and how they may be
transformed in the future to be even better and more widely applicable.
Coping with Neurological Impairmentby L. Kelly
My pregnancy with my first child was a joyous time. I loved every minute of it. We had a wonderful time painting the nursery, picking out tiny little clothes, and making plans for her life...the "important" stuff like what sports she would like, when she would learn to read, and what college she would attend. The birth of my daughter six weeks early was a surprise, as was her need for a stay in the NICU.
As first time parents, we didn't know what to expect and were quickly comforted when told that the tests looked normal and everything would be OK. Slowly, over the next several months, we began to realize that things were not OK and at six months, while hospitalized for severe seizures, we experienced the worst day of our lives: the day when the doctors converged on our daughter's room to break the terrible news that things were not only "not OK," but were in fact very bad.
Specialty Article
Neurology
When the Mouth Won't Work
Take a minute right now and think about your mouth. What is it doing right now? Where is your tongue? Do you have saliva you need to swallow? Are you picking breakfast leftovers out of your teeth? Are you whistling? Talking? Chewing? Swallowing? Yawning? Licking your lips? Kissing your child?
Your mouth plays a big role, if somewhat under-celebrated most of the time. Think about what it would mean if you couldn't control your tongue. Or throat. Or lips. Think about what all would be affected...how much of your daily life would be completely different.
When the Mouth Won't Work
Take a minute right now and think about your mouth. What is it doing right now? Where is your tongue? Do you have saliva you need to swallow? Are you picking breakfast leftovers out of your teeth? Are you whistling? Talking? Chewing? Swallowing? Yawning? Licking your lips? Kissing your child?
Your mouth plays a big role, if somewhat under-celebrated most of the time. Think about what it would mean if you couldn't control your tongue. Or throat. Or lips. Think about what all would be affected...how much of your daily life would be completely different.
Feature: Special Holiday Section
Holiday Craft Ideas for Your Child with Fine Motor Impairment
Kids love crafts, and your child with fine motor impairment is no different. It is definitely possible to do crafts with your child, even if he has no use of his hands. All it takes is a little ingenuity!
Read More -->
Kids love crafts, and your
child with fine motor impairment is no different. It is definitely
possible to do crafts with your child, even if he has no use of his
hands. All it takes is a little ingenuity!
Read More -->