Protecting your child's brain and nerves

Our nervous system extends throughout our entire body, with the spinal cord serving as the main ‘highway’ between the body and the brain that controls it all. — Positive Parenting

Our central nervous system (CNS) is comprised of the brain (one of the most important organs in our body) and spinal cord.

These two organs play a crucial role in ensuring our body functions properly.

So, just how important is our CNS and what can we do to care for it, especially when it comes to children?

The most important component and “controller” of the CNS is the brain.

It is a complex organ that serves many key roles related to cognitive function, thinking, learning and emotions.

It also controls autonomous actions such as breathing and heart rate.

The spinal cord serves as the central nerve “highway”, which connects the brain with the rest of our body via the nervous system.

It allows the two-way flow of signals to and from the brain (e.g. sensations from our fingertips or toes and our reactions to those sensations, sweating to cool the body when we get too warm, etc.).

There are many factors that can adversely affect a child’s growth and development.

This includes damage to the CNS as a result of physical damage (e.g. falling down a flight of stairs), certain diseases that affect the brain and/or spinal cord, and congenital disorders such as spina bifida cystica or microcephaly.

Harmful factors

Our skull, spine, and meninges (the protective tissues covering the brain and spinal cord) protect the CNS from external injuries.

However, they are vulnerable to infections caused by pathogens that break through the blood or brain barrier.

Thus, we must protect and care for our CNS to minimise the possibility of damage.

Some factors that can cause harm include:

> Infections

Mainly caused by bacteria (although sometimes also viruses or fungi), CNS infections can potentially cause life-threatening conditions.

Compared to an adult, a child’s immune system is still immature and more susceptible to such infections.

For example, both meningococcal and pneumococcal disease can cause meningitis (inflammation of the meninges).

This in turn can cause epilepsy or affect the child’s brain functions, e.g. memory, concentration, balance and/or coordination.

Worse still, if the infection spreads to other parts of the body, this can cause complications such as blood infection (septicaemia) or pneumonia.

These can have a devastating long-term effect on the child, even after they recover.

> Physical harm

Damage from physical injuries to the CNS can be divided into blunt force trauma and penetrative trauma.

The former is caused by falls or being hit by objects (e.g. a baseball or car), resulting in a concussion and/or broken bones.

The latter is caused by an object that pierces the skull and/or body.

> Poor nutrition

A healthy diet is crucial for providing the CNS (especially the brain) with sufficient nutrients for proper growth and development.

Nutrient deficiencies (e.g. iron, folic acid or vitamins) can adversely affect the brain, and impair cognitive function and development.

> Dehydration

Seventy-three percent of the brain structure is made of water.

Severe dehydration adversely affects normal brain function, so always keep your child well-hydrated.

> Pregnancy

This is a critical growth period for the foetus, and structural defects can occur if there is a lack of specific nutrients.

For example, a lack of folic acid can lead to spina bifida (affecting the spinal cord) and anencephaly (affecting the brain).

Certain maternal illnesses (e.g. rubella, herpes and zika) that occur during pregnancy can also cause microcephaly in the foetus, where the head is smaller than normal.

Take action

Many of the above dangers are preventable, thus parents can take the appropriate preventive actions.

For example, take the time to properly baby-proof your home, always keep infants and toddlers in your sight, and make dangerous areas such as balconies inaccessible.

This will greatly minimise the danger of accidental falls and the chances of young ones accidentally pulling heavy objects onto themselves as they explore their surroundings.

In the case of meningococcal and pneumococcal infections, your best bet would be to vaccinate your child.

Fortunately, pneumococcal vaccination is now included in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP).

However, for those born before January 2020, parents should seriously consider vaccinating their child against pneumococcal disease, as well as getting the recommended meningococcal vaccination if they have not done so already.

At the same time, all adults (including the elderly) should consider getting vaccinated too.

This is not only to prevent them from getting the disease, but also to stop them from becoming an unwitting carrier and passing the bacteria on to others.

Our CNS cannot be replaced and there are no transplant options.

Damage can be severe and permanent, with lasting effects on life physically, mentally and emotionally for child and family.

So don’t take things for granted and always keep your children safe from harm, danger and diseases.

Dr Hwang Yee Chern is a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.