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Soft neurological signs and EEG pattern in rural malnourished children
K N Agarwal1, D Das, D K Agarwal
1Department of Paediatrics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Insights
Malnutrition in rural Indian children is linked to neurological and motor skill deficits. These issues, including abnormal brainwave patterns, are more severe with increased malnutrition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Malnutrition is a significant public health concern in developing regions.
- Early childhood development is crucial and can be impacted by nutritional status.
- Neurological soft signs (NSS) and electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns are indicators of brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between malnutrition, neurological soft signs (NSS), and electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns in rural primary school children.
- To assess the impact of nutritional status on motor task performance.
- To identify potential neurological correlates of malnutrition in children.
Main Methods:
- Anthropometric measurements were taken for nutritional assessment.
- Children were evaluated for the presence of soft neurological signs (NSS).
- Electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns were recorded and analyzed.
- Motor task performance was assessed using standardized tests.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the severity of malnutrition and the presence of soft neurological signs (NSS).
- Nutritional status significantly affected performance in various motor tasks, including finger tapping and hand-eye coordination.
- EEG abnormalities, such as slow and sharp waves predominantly in the frontal lobe, were observed in children with NSS.
- Motor deficits were more pronounced on the side of the brain opposite to the EEG abnormality.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition in childhood is associated with neurological and motor impairments.
- Soft neurological signs (NSS) and EEG abnormalities can serve as indicators of malnutrition-related neurodevelopmental issues.
- Interventions to improve nutritional status may be critical for optimizing neurodevelopment and preventing long-term deficits in affected children.
Abstract:
The present study was carried out in 208, 8-10 yr old male, rural, primary school children of Kashi Vidyapith Block, Varanasi. These children were examined for anthropometry, soft neurological signs and electroencephalographic pattern. It was found that the presence of soft neurological signs was related to the severity of malnutrition. The relationship between nutritional status and motor tasks showed that the performance in successive finger tapping, toe tapping, heel toe tapping, hand patting and alternating hand pronation supination in both hands while finger tapping with the right, was significantly affected. The EEG pattern in 16 children with soft neurological signs showed abnormalities in the form of slow and sharp waves, particularly in the frontal lobe, but also in the parietal and temporal lobes. The motor deficits were more marked on the contralateral side of the EEG abnormality.