Pediatric Neurology

Prof. Dr. Göksel Kalfa Somay

1. Dementia:
- Dementia is a group of cognitive disorders characterized by a decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities.
- Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for about 60-80% of cases. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
- The condition often progresses slowly and can significantly impact a person's independence and quality of life.

2. Parkinson's Disease:
- Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.
- Common symptoms include tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), muscle stiffness, and postural instability.
- As the disease advances, individuals may also experience non-motor symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes.

3. Cerebrovascular Diseases (Brain Vascular Diseases):
- Cerebrovascular diseases refer to conditions that affect the blood vessels supplying the brain, leading to various neurological disorders.
- Stroke is the most significant cerebrovascular disease, where a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel causes brain tissue damage.
- Other cerebrovascular diseases include transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and vascular malformations.

4. Epilepsy:
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which are abnormal electrical discharges in the brain.
- Seizure types and their manifestations can vary widely, and some individuals may experience aura (warning signs) before a seizure occurs.
- Treatment for epilepsy often involves antiepileptic medications, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

5. Headache:
- Headache is a common neurological symptom experienced by individuals of all ages.
- Primary headaches, such as tension-type headaches and migraines, are not caused by underlying medical conditions and are usually manageable with medications and lifestyle changes.
- Secondary headaches are caused by other medical conditions or underlying issues and require proper evaluation and treatment.

6. Vertigo:
- Vertigo is a type of dizziness characterized by a spinning sensation or the feeling of being off-balance.
- It is often caused by problems in the inner ear or the vestibular system, which plays a role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
- Treatment for vertigo depends on its underlying cause and may include medications, vestibular rehabilitation, or surgical interventions.

7. Electroneurophysiology (EEG; EMG; Evoked Potentials - VEP, BAEP, SEP):
- Electroneurophysiology is a branch of clinical neurophysiology that involves the study of electrical activity in the nervous system to diagnose and assess neurological conditions.
- EEG (Electroencephalography) measures brain wave patterns to detect abnormalities associated with epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other neurological conditions.
- EMG (Electromyography) measures muscle electrical activity to evaluate neuromuscular disorders and nerve damage.
- Evoked potentials (VEP - Visual Evoked Potentials, BAEP - Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials, SEP - Somatosensory Evoked Potentials) are tests that measure the electrical responses generated by sensory stimulation to assess the functioning of specific sensory pathways.