In this assignment, you will examine the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and developmental considerations for two neurological disorders of your choosing. Consider the effects of one of these disorders on infants or very young children and the other on any other age group. Locate at least one professional, evidenced based resource to support your responses. Download the attachment. Complete the worksheet.
Introduction:
Neurological disorders are a broad category of diseases that involve the malfunctioning of the nervous system. These disorders can have diverse clinical manifestations and affect individuals of all age groups. This assignment aims to explore the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and developmental considerations for two neurological disorders. One disorder will be focused on infants or very young children, while the other will be examined in any other age group. This paper will provide insights into the selected disorders and support the responses with evidence from professional, evidenced-based resources.
Disorder 1: Infantile Spasms
Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, is a type of epilepsy that typically manifests during the first year of life, often between 3 to 7 months of age. It is characterized by brief, flexor, or extensor spasms that involve the head, trunk, and extremities. The spasms are usually clustered, occurring in clusters of 5 to 150 spasms at a time. Many infants also exhibit developmental regression and hypsarrhythmia on electroencephalography (EEG), which refers to a chaotic, disorganized brain wave pattern.
Clinical Manifestations:
Infants with infantile spasms may initially present with subtle symptoms such as brief episodes of abnormal head movements or brief staring spells. These symptoms often go unnoticed, leading to a delay in diagnosis. As the disorder progresses, the spasms become more pronounced and can be quite distressing for the infant and parents. The spasms typically involve flexion or extension movements of the neck, arms, and legs. They may also be accompanied by a change in the infant’s facial expression, known as the “Jackknife” sign. Additionally, these spasms are often associated with developmental regression, where the infant may lose previously acquired skills such as reaching for objects or babbling.
Pathophysiology:
The underlying pathophysiology of infantile spasms is not fully understood. However, several factors have been implicated in its development. One of the leading theories suggests that there is an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically involving the neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal activity. It is believed that a disruption in GABAergic signaling leads to the development of infantile spasms. Furthermore, genetic and structural abnormalities in the brain have also been associated with the disorder.
Developmental Considerations:
Infantile spasms can have a severe impact on the development of infants. The spasms themselves often disrupt normal motor function and can interfere with the acquisition of new skills. Additionally, the associated developmental regression can result in significant delays in cognitive, motor, and language development. Early identification and intervention are crucial in minimizing the long-term developmental effects of infantile spasms. Treatment typically involves the use of antiepileptic medications and may also include hormonal therapies such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or oral corticosteroids.
Disorder 2: Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects older adults, with symptoms typically emerging after the age of 50. It is characterized by the degeneration and loss of dopaminergic neurons in a specific region of the brain called the substantia nigra. The hallmark clinical manifestations of Parkinson’s disease include bradykinesia (slowness of movement), resting tremor, muscular rigidity, and postural instability.
Clinical Manifestations:
The clinical manifestations of Parkinson’s disease can vary widely among individuals, but the cardinal motor symptoms are typically present. Bradykinesia, the hallmark feature, is characterized by a general slowness of movement and difficulty initiating and executing motor tasks. Resting tremor, which is typically seen in the hands and fingers, is a common early symptom. Muscular rigidity can manifest as stiffness in the limbs, neck, or trunk, and can contribute to a stooped posture. Postural instability, characterized by impaired balance and a tendency to fall, is often a later feature in the disease progression.
Pathophysiology:
The underlying pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in motor control, and its depletion leads to the characteristic motor symptoms seen in Parkinson’s disease. The exact cause of dopaminergic degeneration is not fully understood, but both genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Alpha-synuclein, a protein implicated in the formation of Lewy bodies, is thought to be involved in the pathology of Parkinson’s disease.
Developmental Considerations:
While Parkinson’s disease is typically diagnosed in older adults, the development and progression of the disease can have a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life. As the disease progresses, motor symptoms worsen, leading to significant impairments in activities of daily living. Furthermore, non-motor symptoms such as cognitive decline, depression, and autonomic dysfunction can also have a considerable impact on functioning. The management of Parkinson’s disease involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medication, physical therapy, and support for psychological and social well-being.