Minimal brain Dysfunction

Because of the prevalence in our society of children labeled with the term minimal brain dysfunction; physicians who treat children must develop a point of view toward the syndrome and a working procedure for assisting affected children. An approach to this problem can be divided into two parts: detection of somatic disorders and comprehensive management of school problems. The detection of somatic disorders that may have produced or substantially contributed to the school problem requires conventional medical skills for recognition and treatment. Comprehensive management of school problems requires a broader approach by the physician; including counseling of the parents regarding adverse family interactions, advice about educational resources and consideration of the question of drug therapy for behavioral disorders. In all instances parents should be able to rely on the physician to act as a scientific source of guidance on the merits of the plethora of therapies directed toward the child with learning disorders. The ability to function competently in all of these areas will enable the physician to provide a service for children and their families that may profoundly affect their lives.