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Neurological disorders in Saudi children at the Al-Majardah General Hospital, Asir region
1Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital, Al-Majardah, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Neurological disorders in Saudi children, particularly those under six, were common. Many cases stemmed from preventable acquired or congenital causes, highlighting a need for improved child care and rehabilitation services.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Neurological disorders represent a significant health concern in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the prevalence and etiology of these disorders is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectrum and etiological factors of neurological disorders in Saudi children.
- To assess the proportion of preventable cases and inform public health strategies.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 180 pediatric patients diagnosed with neurological disorders at Al-Majardah General Hospital over 20 months (June 1988-January 1990).
- Data collected included patient demographics, diagnosis, and suspected etiological factors.
Main Results:
- Neurological disorders constituted 7.5% of pediatric cases. Convulsive disorders (28.9%), cerebral palsy (18.9%), and mental retardation (16.7%) were most prevalent.
- Over half of the affected children were under three years old.
- Acquired, often preventable, factors accounted for 57% of lesions, while 24% were prenatal/congenital, some also preventable.
Conclusions:
- Neurological disorders are a substantial issue in Saudi children, with a high proportion linked to preventable causes.
- There is an urgent need to enhance maternal and child care services.
- Expanding rehabilitative facilities for children with disabilities in rural areas is essential.
Abstract:
Over a 20-month period (June 1988 to January 1990), 180 Saudi children with neurological disorders were seen at the Al-Majardah General Hospital, Asir Region. These constituted 7.5% of all the pediatric inpatients and outpatients. More than one-half of the children were under three years of age and 74% were six years and below. In the series, convulsive disorders accounted for 28.9% of cases, followed by cerebral palsy (18.9%), mental retardation (16.7%), infections (9.4%), trauma (8.9%), and disorders of the primary senses (6.7%). In 57% of the children, the lesions were due to acquired and mostly preventable etiological factors whereas approximately 24% of the children suffered from prenatal (congenital) disorders, some of which were also preventable. The need for continued appraisal of the maternal and child care services as well as extension of rehabilitative facilities to handicapped children in rural areas of the Kingdom is highlighted.
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