What should you do if your child has tics?

Although the appearance of nervous tics in a child is inevitable, it is important to remember that this is not the worst thing that can happen to him or her. Modern medicine, combined with parental care and attention, can work wonders.

Bone fractures in children: characteristics of injury, rehabilitation and treatment methods

Children have relatively strong bones, thick, elastic periosteum, and well-developed soft tissues that protect them from fractures. Nevertheless, one in 15 Russians suffers a fracture in the first ten years of life [1]. By the age of fifteen, one in eight children has received a cast (or fracture surgery) at least once in their life. The forearm bones are broken most often - 37.4 percent of all fractures. The tibia and ankle are slightly less likely to be damaged (22 %), and clavicle fractures are the third most common (9 %).

You can find out in our overview how fractures in children differ from fractures in adults, what consequences the injury can have and what modern methods of healing are available.

Broken bones in children

Children's bones contain more water and organic matter and fewer mineral salts than those of adults. In children there are zones of cartilage growth between the epiphyses - the 'heads' of the long bone where it is connected to the joint - and the diaphyses - the 'tubes' of the bone with the medullary canal. In these zones, the cells actively divide and ensure constant lengthening of the bone. And this is the weakest area of the child's bone. The increase in bone cross section is due to the formation of bone on the periosteal side, which is thicker and more flexible. These characteristics lead to special fractures in children that are almost unknown in adults:

• fracture or Fracture of the green branch – the fracture is not 'complete', the periosteum remains intact on the side of the bone opposite the fracture;
• Subperiosteal fracture – The broken bone is covered by an intact periosteum;
• Epiphysiolysis, osteoepiphysiolysis, metaepiphysiolysis – Cartilage fractures of the growth plate (this injury has the same mechanism as dislocation in adults and often presents a similar clinical picture) with epiphysis and metaphyses (spongy-like substance between epiphysis and diaphysis) or partial metaphyseal plate (depending on the anatomy of the specific bone)
• apophysiolysis - is the detachment of an extra-articular bony prominence - the apophysis - to which muscles are attached.

At the same time, children have a very active metabolism, which means that bone tissue is renewed faster than in adults. Therefore, fractures heal faster, and creating a false joint or bone defect in a child is more likely to be purely casuistry. Due to active growth in children, displacement of bone fragments is eliminated spontaneously, so repositioning (realignment of the bone) of displaced fractures in childhood is usually carried out without surgery.

Causes of fractures in children

The most common cause of lower limb injuries is a fall while running, jumping, playing or playing sports. The sudden, unnatural pressure on the leg causes a tear in the connective tissue and a fracture of the bone structure. Most fractures occur in winter when children of all ages are actively skating, skiing, sledding, sliding downhill and jumping in the snow.

Other possible causes of leg fractures include:

• direct blows during a fight, beating;
• compression of the limbs by heavy weights;
• Road traffic accidents, especially involving children's vehicles (scooters, electric scooters, bicycles, gyroscooters);
• Extreme and dangerous sports such as martial arts, hockey, trampolining, gymnastics, etc. can lead to bone destruction.

In a number of cases, bone destruction is caused by intense, physiologically unnatural twisting of the limbs, such as is common in dancers, figure skaters and gymnasts.

In some children, congenital or acquired diseases affecting bone density and mineral composition are the initial mechanism for injury. These include osteoporosis, tumors, fibrous dysplasia and calcium deficiency.

Types of lower limb fractures in children

Depending on the type of injury, a distinction is made between open and closed fractures as well as simple, splinter and multiple fracture injuries.

Depending on the location of the bone fragments, leg fractures in children may be displaced or not displaced. The type of displacement depends on the direction and intensity of the impact.

Specialists differentiate fractures according to their location:

There are also isolated injuries, in which only one bone is broken, even if only in several places, and combined injuries, in which other parts of the body or internal organs are injured in addition to the lower extremity.

Causes of pathological hypertension

• Infections affecting the nervous system
• Injuries (cranial brain injuries, muscle and nerve injuries)
• Vascular injuries, strokes
• Pathologies of the brain and spinal cord (tumors, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, etc.)
• Pathological jaundice (nuclear)
• Calcium deficiency

Summary

• Hypertonicity is a reversible state of muscle tone. It occurs in all children up to the age of 4 months and is usually physiological.
• If there is a cause, the hypertension can be pathological. In this case, treatment and massage are required. Pathological hypertension affects the quality of life of the child and parents.
• If not treated properly, it can lead to restricted movement, mobility problems, spinal curvatures and skeletal defects. Early treatment by a specialist is very important.

Treatment of hypertension

Fortunately, hypertension is reversible if diagnosed early and treatment initiated.
Treatment is prescribed once the cause of the pathology has been identified. Treatment is usually comprehensive and includes medication, physical therapy, kinesitherapy, massage, exercise and osteopathic correction.

Massage is not a panacea and should not be the first, let alone the only step in the treatment of hypertension of pathological origin.

Massage techniques and methods are individual. Therefore, only a professional should be allowed to massage a child.

If there is physiological hypertension in children in the first months of life, massage is not necessary. Daily care, exercise, bathing and sleeping are usually sufficient.

Forms of juxtaposition in children

According to our expert, juxtaposition can manifest itself in various forms: rocking, rocking movements, stomping, finger sucking (on objects), nail biting. The repetitive movements usually coincide with heartbeats or EEG rhythms. One of the most typical forms is the rhythmic, automatic rocking of the head or the entire body from side to side or back and forth. The infant can stand or sit with support or on all fours. The picture is different for infants: the child rolls from the stomach to the side and back again. He may also wobble on his heels and the back of his head may tilt back slightly. It also happens that when the baby lies on his stomach, he lifts himself up by his arms and hits his head on the pillow. The seizures occur during sleep. It is recommended that such infants be placed in bed exclusively in the supine position to avoid seizures. The child usually shows no negative emotions when rocking back and forth and is in a good mood. However, if attempts are made to disrupt the swinging, the child will become naughty. According to experts, the attacks or episodes can last up to six hours intermittently. Each episode lasts approximately 10-12 minutes.

The phenomenon of chattering in children is primarily due to serious psychological problems. The child, not yet able to express his desires, feelings and experiences in words, tries in this way to attract the attention of adults in order to show his protest. Talking to yourself is also a way to calm yourself and ward off overwhelming stimuli. Children from children's homes often suffer from juvenile dementia because they lack the warmth, protection and affection of their parents. Every child needs his mother's care and tactile contact; it wants to be held, cuddled and caressed. Emotional tension in children who do not receive the attention they need is expressed in motor activities. This is a defensive reaction of the nervous system. However, stuttering can also occur in infants who do not lack maternal love and care and who come from fairly wealthy families. The cause can be overuse, overstimulation, severe stress, which can put the child in a constant state of nervous tension.

Treatment of seizures in children

Whatever the cause of a child's seizures, they should not be taken lightly. Unfortunately, parents are not always aware that it is a psychological disorder and that they need professional help. Because the symptoms are very similar to those of a rocking, mimic child, it is often mistakenly assumed that the child is rocking themselves to sleep by moving from side to side. If you notice any worrisome symptoms, you should first take your child to a pediatric neurologist to rule out the condition. If the doctor does not find them, a psychologist or psychotherapist should be consulted. 'Yakta is based on an imbalance in the excitation-inhibition processes in the cerebral cortex,' says our expert. – Therefore, when such behavior occurs in a child, neuropsychological correction is necessary to optimize the functioning of the cerebral cortex, especially the functioning of the area responsible for relaxation and tension.

If jactation is not a symptom of a neurological disease, no specific treatment is recommended. You just try to eliminate the triggers. The most important thing here is the care and love of the parents and their sensitivity to the needs of the child. The psychologist is able to look at the child and family relationships as a whole and point out problems that the parents may not have noticed. A child with a mental health problem is fraught with problems in the future. A child who does not feel loved and protected from childhood grows up with many complexes and fears. The likelihood of developing mental disorders and psychosomatic illnesses is high.

• Give your child as much attention as possible. Don't forget about touch contact: it is very important! Hold your child often, hug him and kiss him. Learn a simple massage technique. It is advisable to do them before going to bed.
• If you notice a characteristic movement, take your child in your arms immediatelyto calm him down and prevent him from getting cramps. However, do not hold the baby when he is actively resisting: this will only increase the nervous tension.
• Try to keep the baby from being anxiousStay away from stressful situations and excessive stimulation of the nervous system. Active games and watching TV should be stopped 1-2 hours before bedtime so that there is a calm atmosphere in the house.
• Breastfeeding should not be given up. Breastfeeding is a tactile contact that strengthens the bond between mother and child and develops a sense of security and trust in the world.

Diagnosis of leg cramps in children

When diagnosing leg cramps, a detailed medical history is important:

• how often the cramps occur;
• how long they last;
• under which circumstances;
• the course of pregnancy and birth;
• recent illnesses, injuries;
• whether there have been vaccinations;
• hereditary diseases.

Specialists such as ophthalmologists, neurologists, surgeons and others are often involved in the examination.

Standard examinations include a general blood and urine test and a blood sugar test. Further investigations may also be necessary.

Brain seizure activity is determined using electroencephalography. Other instrumental methods include x-rays, CT and MRI scans, and cerebrovascular angiography. [8th]

differential diagnosis

Leg cramps are differentiated from all of the possible causes mentioned above. Early detection of epilepsy is very important in order to direct efforts to the cause in a timely manner.

The first action should be to relieve the spasm. Adults should massage the child's leg, pat the leg, pinch the muscle slightly, try to bend and straighten it, bend the fingers in different directions, apply a warming ointment and keep the child warm. Medication must be prescribed by a doctor depending on the indication. [9]

Pharmacological treatment

Once the cause of the leg cramps has been clarified, medication is prescribed that is tailored to the respective condition. For example, if the body temperature is too high, it needs to be lowered. For this purpose, children are given Paracetamol, Panadol or Efferalgan. Suppositories, syrups and chewable tablets are more suitable for children.

Panadol (suspension) – its action consists in inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system, the active ingredient is paracetamol. If fever occurs in children under 3 months of age, a doctor should be consulted. From this age and up to 12 years of age, the single dose is calculated at 10-15 mg per kilogram of body weight, and the frequency of administration is four times per day.

Possible side effects include skin hypersensitivity reactions, nausea, abdominal pain, development of anemia, liver dysfunction. The drug is contraindicated in blood diseases, liver and kidney diseases.

Food poisoning leading to dehydration and convulsions requires gastric lavage and taking sorbents. Activated carbon, Smekta, Polysorb are effective in this case. Probiotics accelerate the elimination of toxins from the body: Linex, Chilac, Enterol. Use after vomiting has stopped.

Smecta is a powder diluted with water in a sachet. Children under 1 year old should mix the contents of one sachet (3 g) with 50 ml of water and dilute this volume overnight. It can be mixed with compotes and porridge. From one to two years the daily dose is 1 to 2 pieces, over two years 2 to 3 pieces. Do not use in case of intestinal obstruction, hypersensitivity to the drug, may cause constipation.

Causes of Abnormal Knee Pain in Children

The most common causes of sore knees are:

• diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• diseases of the spine;
• circulatory disorders and vascular diseases;
• metabolic disorders;
• infections;
• injuries;
• Revision;
• poor diet.

Most knee problems in children can be successfully treated at an early stage

4 dangerous knee problems in a child

Knee injuries occur 7-14 days after pharyngitis, acute respiratory infections, food poisoning or other infections. Sometimes it occurs when an infection develops in a wound near the joint. Infectious arthritis progresses rapidly and, if left untreated, can lead to severe joint damage and even blood poisoning.

The disease is accompanied by fever, symptoms of intoxication and swelling of the joints, and the child complains of severe pain in the knee.

Infectious arthritis requires immediate medical attention

In children, knees often hurt due to a sprain or bruise. If the cause is obvious, the limb should be relieved of weight, ice applied, and help sought. If there is an open wound in the knee area, it must be treated carefully.

Sometimes an infection develops in the wound and needs to be cleaned in the hospital. Signs include an unpleasant odor on the surface of the wound, discharge of pus upon pressure, swelling of the leg, a yellowish or white crust over the wound and local congestion.

Sometimes, to the surprise of parents, trauma surgeons diagnose a child with osteoarthritis, even though the disease is considered age-related. Osteoarthritic changes in cartilage and joints are associated with factors such as:

• Congenital tissue abnormalities;
• Negative inheritance;
• autoimmune abnormalities;
• Excessive physical exertion;
• Inadequate nutrition.

In some cases, trauma surgeons diagnose the child with both arthritis and osteoarthritis, the latter caused by non-infectious processes in the cartilage and leading to inflammation. Osteoarthritis leads to a lack of oxygen, swelling, discoloration of the skin in the knee and frequent grinding of teeth. The knee becomes visually deformed, the pain increases over time and limping occurs.

How long does it take for my child to have completely straight legs?

The duration of exercises with the child to correct O-Stroke symptoms depends on the severity of the disease. Uncomplicated clinical cases may require minor correction of the shape of the lower limbs, lasting 2 to 4 months.

With progressive leg curvature, when the child has clear signs of osteoarticular deformities, comprehensive treatment of this part of the musculoskeletal system is required for a year. The patient is regularly examined by a podiatrist who monitors each stage of restoring the anatomically correct shape of the lower limbs.

The legs of a child up to 6 months old are not a sign of musculoskeletal system pathology. As the child grows older, the shape of the lower limbs gradually changes toward full alignment.

If the O-shaped curvature of the legs persists in a child aged 1 year or older, a pediatrician or pediatric orthopedist should be consulted immediately.

The main causes of this deformity of the lower limbs are rickets, obesity in children and a genetic predisposition to abnormal development of the legs. Treatment of this deformity should be comprehensive.

Treatment

Very often, children diagnosed with a hyperkinesis tic do not require special treatment. It is absolutely pointless and only helps to correct the patient's lifestyle. However, if the tics become generalized, treatment cannot be avoided. The approach the doctor chooses depends on the severity of the disease, the child's age and physical condition.

A comprehensive approach is possible when treating tics in children. It includes:

1. Measures to properly organize the child's daily activities. Avoiding stress, worries and other problems.
2. Therapy without the use of medication. This includes visits to a psychotherapist, physiotherapy and reflexology.
3. Treatment with medication.

In the early stages of tics in young children, routine measures are enough to make a visible difference. Rationally organized rest and recovery times, going to bed on time, a healthy diet and sporting activities are the key to a positive outcome of neurotic disorders.

Family psychotherapy is of no small importance. If the situation in the family has led to the development of tics, it is imperative to try to correct them. In no case should the child witness quarrels and scandals. A calm, trusting environment should be created in which the child can feel loved and protected. The child should not be yelled at or reminded of his excitement, as this will only make the situation worse.

Developmental games to promote fine motor skills, art therapy and relaxation have shown good results in preventing and treating tics. The most commonly used physiotherapy treatments for this disorder are.

• the biofeedback method;
• audiovisual stimulation method;
• acupuncture
• laser therapy;
• Ozokerite Applications;
• Cervical collar zone massage;
• Electroses.

Possible effects.

Nervous tics in children of all ages, regardless of the cause of their occurrence, are a signal that the child is not feeling well, his mental state is at the limit and he urgently needs help. If the trigger is removed in time, the tics will disappear on their own.

But what happens if everything stays as it is? Various developments are possible:

1. Epilepsy. Tics can be a symptom of the early stages of this serious neurological disease.
2. Severe neuroses, psycho-emotional disorders. If left untreated, hyperkinesia progresses in the child's body and leads to new manifestations of tics. Inadequate care leads to the development of depression and other critical conditions.
3. Tourette syndrome. Although this mental disorder is not due to parental passivity, its clinical picture necessarily includes both motor and vocal tics.

Even if hyperkinesia resolves spontaneously and without sequelae after a week, it is essential to see a doctor and make a diagnosis. This is essential for the child's health and is done to exclude the above diseases.

What to do first?

If your child falls out of bed, it is important that you remain calm. As long as the fontanelles (the large one in the middle of the crown and the small one at the back of the head) are still open, they protect the child from breaking the skull bones in the event of an impact.

If a baby or toddler falls out of bed, it is important to remain calm and quickly assess the situation.

Call an ambulance immediately without touching the child if:

• it lost consciousness
• The child is immobile (before the fall the child was active, possibly crawling and rolling, after the fall the child lies motionless).
• Cramps occur (arms and legs twitch involuntarily, eyelids twitch).
• The ability to coordinate is impaired. This symptom can be observed in a child who is already able to sit and handle toys. The child is e.g. B. Able to put things in a container before the fall, but unable to stand after the fall or stumbling every 2-3 steps.
• Vomit
• Sudden marked lethargy and sluggishness in the child.
• Strong crying
• Nosebleeds (this can be a very dangerous condition indicating a serious skull bone injury. Blood or other clear discharge may come from the ears).

Carrying a child with a head or spine injury can lead to serious complications. However, if the child is in an area where there is a risk of further injury, he or she can be carefully moved to a safer location.

If your baby vomits or convulses, gently turn him or her onto his side. Make sure the child's neck is straight when you turn him.

Inspect it carefully for bumps, bruises, or other injuries, especially on the head. Also examine the rest of the child's body, including arms, legs, chest, and back. If you notice injuries, you should never act on joints yourself, touch bones, or put pressure on them. You can apply cold to the bruised area - any food from the freezer is suitable. Wrap it in a soft towel and hold it over the area where the redness has formed. If there is a wound, treat it with hydrogen peroxide to stop bleeding, apply a sterile bandage and wait for the doctor.

Possible injuries

A variety of injuries can occur during a fall, including:

concussion

Your doctor will need to evaluate your head injury for a concussion.

A concussion is a type of head injury that typically occurs when the brain experiences a shock inside the skull from a blow to the head. It is difficult to recognize a concussion in a young child because they cannot describe their symptoms.

Symptoms of a concussion in an infant include:

• loss of consciousness
• uncontrollable crying
• Vomit
• excessive sleepiness
• longer periods of silence
• Refusal to eat
• Temporary loss of newly acquired skills
• irritability

Damage to soft tissues.

The scalp is the skin that covers the head and contains many small blood vessels. Even a small cut or injury can bleed profusely, making the injury appear more serious than it is.

Sometimes an internal bruise under the scalp can cause swelling on the child's head, which may last for several days.

Fracture of the skull

The skull is the bone that surrounds the brain. A fall from a height can result in a skull fracture.

Infants with a skull fracture may have the following symptoms:

Take your child to the emergency room immediately if he or she has any of these symptoms.

The brain is a delicate structure that contains many blood vessels, nerves and other internal tissues. A fall can damage these structures, sometimes severely.

Parents have strong intuition. If something seems wrong with your child, it's important to recognize it so you can go to the doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry and make sure there are no serious injuries.

If untreated

It is important to recognize hypotension early. Mothers who are new to having babies may not notice the disorder in their first child. It is advisable to have an experienced person at your side or to have the disorder diagnosed by a doctor. If the low tone remains untreated, it will affect the child's further development. Much later, the child will begin to hold his head, crawl and walk.

Disturbances in the development of these skills delay the child's intellectual and linguistic development. The child's central nervous system develops through the activation of motor functions. It is better to remain calm and visit a neurologist in vain than to miss worrying symptoms.

It should also be borne in mind that hypotension can manifest itself at different ages. It can be diagnosed almost immediately after birth when reflexes are checked. In this case the cause is usually birth trauma. Muscle tone disorders can occur at any age, but are particularly dangerous in the first two years of life because they often indicate abnormal development of the central nervous system. In older age, hypotension is usually a sign of complications from infectious or viral diseases.

Treatment of hypotension

The doctor will first conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the cause of the hypotension. If it is not a symptom of a more serious illness, the following treatment measures may be prescribed depending on the severity of the symptoms

• massage
• physical therapy
• Reflexology therapy
• osteopathic treatment;
• Remedial gymnastics with teachers (the exercises are selected individually depending on the patient's age, degree of disability and other characteristics and are performed regularly - this is the only way to achieve results);
• Prescribing medications and nutritional supplements.

The treatment of this disorder requires a comprehensive approach and the active assistance of parents - their participation in the child's development.

Cost of consulting a neurologist 3,600 rubles 1800 rubles

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