Common Neurological Disorders in Infants and Babies: What Parents Should Know

As a parent or caregiver, it's important to be alert to your baby’s growth and development to better recognize the signs of when something is not progressing as expected. In some cases, these signs may point to a neurological disorder—conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.

Below, Dr. Anisa Kelley, attending physician in Neurology and director of the Headache Program at Lurie Children’s, provides guidance around the most common neurological disorders seen in infants and babies and what families should know about each.

Seizures

Seizures happen when there is unusual electrical activity in the brain. In infants, seizures can be harder to recognize than in older children or adults. They may not involve dramatic movements, so it’s important to know the subtle signs.

Warning Signs

• Jerking Movements: Repetitive twitching or shaking in the arms, legs, or face
• Stiffness: Sudden stiffening of the arms, legs, or body
• Unusual Eye Movements: Eyes rolling back or rapid side-to-side movements
• Lip-Smacking or Facial Movements: Repetitive movements like sucking or twitching not related to feeding
• Breathing Pauses (Apnea): Moments where the baby stops breathing briefly
• Unresponsiveness: Baby appears limp, overly sleepy, or doesn’t respond like usual

Neonatal seizures can be caused by things like low blood sugar, infections like meningitis, birth complications, and genetic or metabolic conditions. . 

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you think your baby might be having seizures, seek medical help right away. Your child’s doctor may run tests like blood work, brain scans, or an EEG to understand what’s happening. Treatment for seizures typically include starting a daily medication to reduce seizure occurrence. With early treatment, many babies who experience seizures can go on to lead healthy lives.

“Remember, your healthcare team is there to guide you and provide the support and care your baby needs,” said Kelley. “Early intervention makes a big difference in outcomes!”

Learn more about epilepsy and seizures.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects muscle control and is usually caused by brain damage that occurs during pregnancy, during birth, or shortly after birth. That damage can be due to a lack of oxygen, infections, or being born too early.

Risk Factors

• Birth Asphyxia: A difficult birth that limits oxygen to the brain
• Prematurity: Babies born before 28 weeks are at highest risk
• Low Birth Weight: Less than 5.5 pounds at birth
• Multiple Births: Twins or triplets are more likely to have CP
• Infections: Illnesses like meningitis can increase risk
• Maternal Health Issues: High blood pressure, diabetes, or problems with the placenta
• Genetic Conditions: Sometimes CP is linked to how the brain develops before birth

Warning Signs 

• Floppy or stiff muscles at birth
• Pale or bluish skin and trouble breathing after delivery
• Delays in sitting, crawling, or walking
• Favoring one side of the body more than the other
• Hands clenched into fists for a prolonged period
• Trouble with coordination, holding their head up or balance

Diagnosis and Treatment

A pediatric neurologist or specialist will evaluate your baby. If CP is suspected, an MRI may be ordered to check for brain injury. CP has a range of presentations, from mild favoring of one side of the body that doesn’t impact a child’s overall development, to more severe cases that can cause stiffness of both arms and legs and long-term disability.

If your child is diagnosed with CP, early therapy is key and may include a combination of physical, occupational and speech therapies. These therapies help your baby gain strength, improve movement, and learn to better interact with the world. With early and consistent care, many children with cerebral palsy grow up to live full, independent lives.

“While receiving a diagnosis of cerebral palsy can be overwhelming, it's important to remember that early intervention and therapy have the power to make a world of difference,” said Kelley. “The first few years of a child's life are crucial for brain development, and with the right therapies and support, your child can reach their full potential.”

Learn more about Cerebral Palsy.

Developmental Delay

Developmental delay means a child is taking longer than expected to reach certain milestones. These milestones might include walking, talking, or interacting with others.

Every child develops at their own pace, but it’s good to watch for warning signs.

Areas of Development That May Be Delayed 

• Motor Skills: Movement and coordination
• Speech and Language: Making sounds, understanding, or speaking
• Social and Emotional Skills: Connecting with others, smiling, showing interest

Warning Signs 

Motor Delays:

• By 6 months: Trouble holding up head or rolling over
• By 9 months: Not sitting up without help
• By 12 months: Not attempting to crawl or pull up to stand
• By 18 months: Not walking or difficulty standing

Speech Delays:

• By 6 months: Unresponsive to name and not cooing or babbling
• By 9 months: No gestures like waving or pointing
• By 12 months: Not saying simple words like “mama” or “dada”
• By 18 months: Not saying a few words or trouble understanding simple requests (like “come here”)
• By 2 years: Not combining words (like “more juice”) or speaking less than 50 words

Social Delays:

• By 6 months: Limited smiling or eye contact with familiar people
• By 12 months: Limited interest in simple games like peek-a-boo
• By 18 months: Lack of interest in other children or difficulty being comforted
• By 2 years: Difficulty expressing emotions or with changes in routine

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you notice signs of a delay, try not to panic and first talk to your pediatrician. “Many babies develop at their own pace, but if you’re concerned, it’s a good idea to bring it up with your pediatrician or healthcare provider,” said Kelley.

They may suggest a developmental screening and refer you to a specialist. Early intervention services like physical, speech, or occupational therapy can help your child catch up and thrive.

Learn more about developmental delays.

Prevention and Early Intervention

The most important thing to do is to stay top of your child’s routine well child checks with their pediatrician so they can monitor for any concerns in development. Additionally, be proactive in speaking to your pediatrician about your concerns if you notice any of the warning signs mentioned here.

Early intervention is crucial for children with neurological conditions like developmental delays, cerebral palsy, or seizures. The first few years of a child’s life are vital for brain development, and starting therapies early can help maximize their potential. With the right support, children can make strides in improving motor skills, communication, and independence, often overcoming limitations that might have seemed insurmountable. Early intervention provides targeted therapies that can reshape the course of a child’s development, helping them build a strong foundation for learning and adapting to the world around them. The earlier the intervention, the more opportunities children have to grow, thrive, and live fulfilling lives.

Additional Resources

• Epilepsy Foundation
• CURE Epilepsy
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (epilepsy/seizures)
• Cerebral Palsy Foundation
• March of Dimes (cerebral palsy)
• Pathways (developmental delay)
• CDC - Developmental Monitoring and Screening (developmental delay)
• Easterseals (developmental delay)