Causes, Complications, and Consequences of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) is defined as a precise genetic or acquired biological brain disorder or condition that is responsible for childhood-onset brain dysfunction. If a neurodevelopmental disorder is severe enough, it may cause a “developmental disability” e.g. mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism. When caring for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), it is important to consider the four primary categories of clinical manifestations or “complications” of these disorders (cognitive dysfunction, behavioral problems, motor dysfunction, and seizures) as part of a larger medical issue. Secondary to these “complications,” patients may also experience various “consequences” that will adversely affect their health.
—Philip May, M.D., Co-Editor, R&R
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