Drinking alcohol during her pregnancy can cause a woman’s baby to be born with birth defects and developmental disabilities. In fact, alcohol (beer, wine, or hard liquor) is the leading cause of preventable birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States. Babies exposed to alcohol in the womb can develop …
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Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare medical condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Guillain-Barré (GHEE-yan bah-RAY) syndrome often causes people to have weakness or even paralysis in parts of the body. Most people who get Guillain-Barré syndrome recover and return to their normal lives and …
Headaches
Whether they’re pounding and throbbing or dull and aching, headaches are common in kids. Headaches can have a wide range of causes and many levels of severity. It’s important to understand how to recognize when a headache is just a passing pain and when it’s something more and requires medical attention. …
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a brain condition that happens when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the clear, watery fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord — can’t drain from the brain. It then pools, causing a buildup of fluid in the skull. Hydrocephalus (also called “water on the brain”) can …
Is There a Connection Between Vaccines and Autism?
Is there a connection between vaccines and autism? – Parris No, there is no connection between vaccines and autism. Autism is a condition that affects the brain and makes communicating and interacting with other people more difficult. The cause(s) of autism — also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or …
Lead Poisoning
About Lead Poisoning If you have young kids, it’s important to find out whether there’s any risk that they might be exposed to lead, especially if you live in an older home. Many toys and other products from outside the United States have also been found to contain lead. Long-term …
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is often associated with heavily wooded or grassy areas where mice and deer live. It’s most common in the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, and the northern Midwest states. About Lyme Disease Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is found in small animals like mice …
Neurocutaneous Syndromes
About Neurocutaneous Syndromes Neurocutaneous syndromes are disorders that lead to growth of tumors in various parts of the body. They’re caused by the abnormal development of cells in an embryo and characterized by the tumors in various parts of the body (including the nervous system) and by certain differences in …
Neurofibromatosis
About Neurofibromatosis Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a neurocutaneous syndrome that can affect many parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, skin, and other body systems. NF can cause growth of non-cancerous (benign) tumors involving the nerves and brain. NF can range from mild to severe. Some children live …
Raising a Child With Autism: Paige and Iain’s Story
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental conditions that involve delayed or impaired communication and social skills, behaviors, and cognitive skills. Symptoms of ASDs range from mild to severe. As a result, each child — and family — coping with autism has a unique set of challenges. Below, …