Nervous System Disorders

Also known as: nervous system problems, central nervous system disorders, peripheral nervous system disorders, autonomic nervous system disorders

What are nervous system disorders?

The nervous system is the part of the body that directs and coordinates all its actions by sending signals to and from different parts of the body. It is made up of two major divisions:
  • the Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
  • the Peripheral nervous system (which includes all the nerves).
Other organs of the nervous system include the eyes, ears, and other highly specialized sensory organs whose function it is to take information detected from the internal and external environment and transmit that information to the brain. Any condition that adversely affects the function of any part of the nervous system is called a nervous system disorder.
 

What causes nervous system disorders? 

Causes of nervous system disorders vary widely. They may be congenital structural defects, genetic conditions present at birth that may or may not be passed along from parents to their children, damage from injuries, tumors, infections, degeneration, autoimmune diseases, toxins, blood flow problems, or complications from medications or other treatments, among other causes.
 

What are the symptoms of nervous system disorders? 

The symptoms of nervous system disorders can also range widely. Common signs include persistent severe headache, delay in developmental milestones, changes in skull size, decline in mental ability, vision problems, slurred speech, loss of sensation, balance or coordination problems, loss of muscle control, muscle wasting or rigidity, seizures and others.
 

What are nervous system disorder care options?

Treatments will depend on a number of factors which include age of child, and underlying cause. Typically a pediatric neurologist will be the head of a health care team which may include neurosurgeons, nutritionists, geneticists, psychologists, rehabilitation therapists, and others to optimize management and support.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 6/21/2019 2:24:23 AM

Weekly Support Programs

​F.O.C.U.S. Program

8 week program. This group therapy program is designed for children ages 7 to 17 with behaviorial issues, including but not limited to ADHD. The weekly sessions teach innovative techniques to assist children with managing feelings, developing organization skills, maximizing their concentration abilities and socialization skills. Learn more.

Calm Kids

8 week program. Calm Kids is a weekly group therapy course designed to teach children strategies on how to take control over anxiety symptoms. Children will learn how to cope with fears and worries, identify anxiety triggers, how to relax the mind and body and maximize their self-confidence. Learn more.

Camp DMC

Camp DMC is a summer program for children with special needs run by Nicklaus Children’s Dan Marino Outpatient Center. Please note: We will not offer Camp DMC during summer of 2019. Learn more.

Teen Sleep Group

8 week program. This program is designed for teens ages 13-16 experiencing difficulties related to sleep, including daytime sleepiness, trouble waking in the morning, difficulty falling asleep and waking in the middle of the night. The goal of this group is to give teens the tools and strategies they need in order to get more sleep and better quality sleep. Learn more.

Pain Management Group

8 week program. This program is specifically designed to empower children ages 7-18 through complex sensory experiences. Each session is created to teach participants evidenced-based techniques to better manage pain and improve overall quality of life. Learn more.

Brain Wellness: Kids Yoga

This program is provided by a certified yoga instructor. It offers children and teens the following benefits: managing stress through breathing, self-awareness, healthy movement and meditation. Yoga also promotes strength, flexibility, coordination and body awareness. Learn more.

Social Skills Group

8 week program. Children and teens ages 7 to 17 are invited to join this small discussion group to learn how to make, cultivate and maintain friendships. Participants will learn basic conversational skills, and discuss the use of appropriate humor, how to electronically connect with others, and how to manage disagreements. Learn more.