Neurodevelopment unit
Why is it important to evaluate neurodevelopment?
The increased survival of premature infants and children with fetal pathology (heart, brain, placenta, ...) or perinatal, and demographic and social changes of our society, have led to increased concerns for the child neurodevelopment. This in turn leads to increased demands from families, and an obligation for our society to have an optimal capacity for early detection and intervention.
The first years of life are critical for brain development. These changes will make possible many of the skills that make each person a unique individual. During this period, the brain is modeled following a particular pattern, but always subject to environmental stimuli. Therefore, there are some "window periods" in which the brain is especially susceptible to external stimuli. For example, the ability to learn languages is optimal in the first years of life and significantly decreases with age.
The assessment of brain development, or neurodevelopment, takes into account multiple areas and capabilities. These include the motor, intellectual, language, emotional and social development. They must be evaluated individually, but with an integrated vision, without neglecting any of them. A proper evaluation will be key to identify a possible impairment and to intervene when there is still time.
The Neurodevelopmental Unit of Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, aims at a global tracking of all aspects of neurodevelopment in children at high risk. This allows to detect warning signs that might go unnoticed temporarily enabling early and effective interventions. The team is made up of a multidisciplinary group of physicians, nurses and psychologists specialized in child neurodevelopment.
The Neurodevelopment Unit is aimed at children with increased risk due a variety of conditions, including among the most frequent, prematurity, low birth weight and any other problems detected during pregnancy or childbirth.
We aim to offer our experience as physicians in this field, with a leading scientific track record, which allows us bringing to you the latest techniques in brain imaging and function. We offer this attention in a close and warm environment to the child and family. Our integrative view allows to cover all important aspects in the neurodevelopment of the child.
If you are concerned about your child's development or you think that there is any situation of risk and you would like an assessment by experienced professionals, you may want to contact us. We can help you.
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