Clinical Profile of Pediatric Neurology Disorders: A Study From a Semi-Urban Medical College in Northwestern India

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Neurological disorders are characterized by dysfunction in any part of the nervous system and are a major cause of disability among children and adolescents in developing countries, just as it is in India. There is a lack of information on the prevalence of neurological disorders in developing countries due to the lack of quality health information and a lack of awareness of these disorders. This local study aims to provide an understanding of the profile and characteristics of neurological disorders in children that will aid in the development and implementation of preventive healthcare strategies. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics. All pediatric neurology patients' data were retrieved from January 2020 to December 2020. RESULTS: Of the 12,782 children seen in the pediatric outpatient department (OPD), 133 (1.04%) had neurological disorders and about 65% were male. Childhood seizures 92 (69%) and developmental delay 13 (9.7%) were the most common neurological conditions, although there was an overlap of the conditions. CONCLUSION: This study provides some valuable information about common neurological disorders in children. Seizures, cerebral palsy, and developmental delay were the most common neurological disorders in children.