The nervous system is extremely complicated. The brain has often been likened to a central computer within a vast, complicated network of wiring (the nervous system). The brain works at lightening speed making infinite decisions that affect the outcome of everything we do. It allows us to breathe, feel, talk, learn and remember, and enables us to move our bones and muscles in complicated yet coordinated ways. The brain allows us to perform all of these things and more, often without any conscious effort on our part, and even while we are asleep.

Unfortunately, such an amazing and complex system can go wrong. Damage can happen to the brain and nervous system before, during and after birth. Physiotherapy can help when damage occurs by helping the brain learn or relearn patterns of movement. Some of the children’s conditions treated by physiotherapists include:

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition primarily affecting a child’s motor development. It is caused by damage to the brain before, during or shortly after birth.

Meningitis and encephalitis are inflammatory conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Meningitis is the inflammation of the coverings (‘meninges’) of the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue itself. Both conditions can result in permanent damage to the brain.

Spinal Cord Injury is caused by damage to the spinal cord.  It can be caused from a direct injury to the cord itself or from an indirect injury from damage to the bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels surrounding the spinal cord.  Only about 5% of spinal cord injuries occur in children.  Symptoms of a spinal cord injury vary depending on the location and severity of the injury.  The main problem is weakness of muscles and loss of sensation at and below the level of the injury.

Spina bifida is a congenital disorder affecting the formation of the spine.  About 75% of cases are called ‘Myelomeningocele’.  The backbone and spinal canal do not completely form before birth causing a decrease or lack of function of the parts of the body controlled from or below the defect. Most defects occur in the lower lumbar or sacral areas of the back (the lowest areas of the spine) because this area is normally the last part of the spine to close during inter-utero development.

Head Injuries  are injuries to the brain caused by the head being hit by something or shaken violently. Head injuries are also called traumatic head or brain injury (TBI) and acquired brain injury (ABI). They can change how the person acts, moves and thinks. The signs of head injury can be very different depending on which part of the brain has been injured and how severely.

Microcephaly is a neurological disorder where the baby’s head is much smaller than normal for an infant of the same age and sex. It may be associated with other conditions or syndromes.  Children with microcephaly may have learning difficulties and delayed development.