Neurological Disorders and Development

            Discuss 2 different neurological disorders that can occur in development and how they affect development. In addition, discuss what research suggests about the effects of spiritual disciplines (prayer, meditation) on neurobiology.

            Two different neurological disorders that can occur in development are epilepsy and movement disorders.  Epilepsy is becoming a common problem found in children; of the 50 million reported cases of epilepsy worldwide, 20% of them involve children (Sharma, 2013).  Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by recurring and unprovoked seizures.  Seizures involve a disturbance in the functioning of the brain and can cause severe motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction.  While the symptoms of the seizure affect many different parts of the body, the source of the seizure begins in the brain.  Common symptoms include temporary confusion, a staring spell, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness, and psychic symptoms (Sharma, 2013). 

            In about half of the people diagnosed with epilepsy, there is no identifiable cause.  In the other half, causes have been traced to genetic influences, head trauma, brain conditions, infectious diseases, prenatal injury, and developmental disorders such as autism (Sharma, 2013).  Because babies are sensitive to brain damage during the prenatal stages, an infection by the mother, poor nutrition, or oxygen deficiencies may contribute to brain damage resulting in epilepsy or cerebral palsy in children.  While some types of epilepsy tend to run in families, for most people with epilepsy, genes may only be a part of the cause (Sharma, 2013).  Treatment of epilepsy involves a comprehensive plan involving physicians and parents.  Parental involvement is particularly important, as they are with their children most often.  Parents should have an understanding of the disorder and how to recognize symptoms of seizures and maintain a seizure diary.  Parents should also encourage others to treat the child as a normal child, with care to avoid activities such as swimming or cycling with poorly controlled children (Sharma, 2013). 

            Movement disorders are associated with underlying neurological and psychological disorders (Faust & Soman, 2011).  They are considered movement disorders because of the abnormality of muscle or motor control, or the increased or decreased control of involuntary movements.  When persons demonstrate a slowness of their voluntary movement or automatic movements (such as arms swinging while walking), or muscle rigidity, they are said to have hypokinetic disorder symptoms (Faust & Soman, 2011).  Those who demonstrate symptoms involving too much movement, such as those with Huntington’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, tremors, and dystonia (involuntary muscle contraction causing abnormal postures or twisting movements) (Faust & Soman, 2011).  Causes of movement disorders include nerve diseases, injuries, autoimmune diseases, infections, genetic, and medications.  Treatment recommended by Faust & Soman involves a multidisciplinary approach including neurology, psychiatry, and social work / psychology (2011).  Including the parents in each stage of treatment ensures more continuity to the treatment and produces better outcomes for the patients (Faust & Soman, 2011). 

            Many people have researched the effects of spirituality on neurobiology.  Most studies have proven that there is a positive relationship to better health, better quality of life, less anxiety and depression associated with prayer and meditation (Mohandas, 2008).  Practicing prayer and meditation can bring about a change in the brain structure and the production of various neurotransmitters, but there are few studies confirm this (Mohandas, 2008).

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References

Faust, J., & Soman, T. (2011). Psychogenic movement disorders in children: Characteristics and predictors of outcome. Journal of Child Neurology, 27(5), 610-614. doi:10.1177/0883073811422753

Mohandas, E. (2008). Neurobiology of spirituality. Mens Sana Monographs, 6(1), 63-80. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.33001

Sharma, A. (2013). Seizures and epilepsy in children. Pediatrics in General Practice,80(11), 925-935. doi:10.1007/s12098-013-1173-x