I think this is a neurological problem so I hope someone could help me here..?

Question

I have a friend whose daughter cannot fully speak. this kid is 3 yrs.old and could only say few words like 'mommy', 'daddy', while she says other words in abbreviated form. She has no hearing deficiency and could fully understand what her parents say. The doctor in our area said her condition has nothing to do with her throat. So probably this is a neurological problem. Could someone tell me what is her condition? I mean she's 3 yrs.old yet she can't speak! This cannot possibly be a case of a late bloomer thing or others. So please.. could you give me any possible diagnosis for this kid? Thanks. I appreciate it a lot.

Answer 1

her verbal skills are below average, but if she's been reaching other cognitive and physical milestones appropriately, i wouldn't worry about it. some kids do take longer than others to reach their milestones, but that doesn't mean they have a neurological problem. just give the kid time and encouragement- she'll eventually talk, and then you'll be spending the rest of your life trying to get her to stop talking!

Answer 2

What you describe, a facial nerve issue,,a not a uncommon problem,, it is generally caused by Trauma, Tumor somewhere in the brain, or behind or around the Jaw.. Infection, retrobulbar (behind the eye) or infection around the base of the ear,, treating with a drug to reduce inflamation/ and or a Antibiotic to cover an infection would be a standard treatment plan.. If the dog has not responded, or a Abcess (swelling) is not apparent,, This could be a primary neurological issue,, still could be caused by a tumor somwhere in the brain or jaw/ear area.. or some type of Clot, or compression in the nerves that supply the area.. unfortunally, the scracthed cornea has a lot to do with the dog inability (loss of feeling) to blink, trauma to the eye.. common complication with sensory issues and facal nerve issues.. and the control of the toung does come from a similar area,, or the dog may be able to move his toung but unable to do so in a effective way to drink or eat,, Animals unfortunaly really do need their toungs,, so when this area is affected with something does become very serious.. unfortunally..if this paraylsis has progressed Vs improved or stayed the same..does suggest a more serious condition, about the only option is to do a MRI to see if and what is there,, and what other options are, A MRI although expensive is actually the ideal diagnostic tool in this case because it can make detailed images of the soft tissues and structures in the skull area.. Plain X-rays are VERY limited in cases like this,, although somtimes will show something subtle.. The MRI will show it better.. it may be possible there is somthing surgical that can be done,, if there is a mass,, or depending what they find,, tailor a more aggressive treatment plan.. Wish your friend good luck Amanda Oh as far as finding a new vet...this is always an option.. REMBER this is a second hand story,, and not having excactly what the vet told the primary owner.. is a big issue.. It is very possible,, that an MRI was suggested ($1000 test) ,, OR possible that the owner elected treatment for the symptoms (drugs that pee a whole lot) steriods are generally the first line treatment for trauma and possible tumors in this are.. generally this can take several weeks to work,, or if the dog does not repspond or does not progress tells you a whole lot about the possible cause,,, As far as the corneal ulcer,, again,, if the dog can not blink, this will happen,, Not given as a sympom as what is going on.. but a new issue listed,, along with the progression of the issue.. Antibiotics for a possible infection (of what?) the eye perhaps? or possible infection in the jaw area? again only part of the info..and what was the timeline,, did the toung issue present at the same time of the recheck and eye diagnosis or now become a feature? I believe she was looking for peoples experience,, NOT a evaluation on the vets competence.. I am guessing her friend has been given a VERY poor prognosis,, with very limited options.. and not themselves wanting to give excat details to her/comprehensive history just because they themselves feel so limited/depressed over the issue... Have you friend get the MRI it will in most cases provide a reason.. hopefully it will be somthing they can treat,, If she really feels that her vet is not providing answers then fine,, she of couse should get a second opinion.. always a good idea..

Answer 3

Without examining her myself, I can only venture a guess. Since she hears well, appears to understand what is said to her, and seems to have some speech/
expressive language, I'd lean toward expressive language delay (NOT "developmental delay"). There are other conditions that present with the same symptoms, but it would be unethical to try to diagnose on the internet!
If you live in a country that has universal, or government-sponsored health care, inquire at the local clinic or hospital outpatient department about having a speech and language evaluation. If you are in the United States, your local elementary school will evaluate her at your request and provide any needed therapy at no charge.

Answer 4

I agree that she is slow in terms of speech development but that does not necessarily mean she has a neurological deficit. Some kids develop speech late but are otherwise normal. My own son was about the same level of speech development at that age but now at the age of 4 he has caught up or passed most of his peers in vocabulary and pronunciation.
I have read that children with superior mathematical abilities tend to have delayed speech development.
I would suggest having the child evalulated by a pediatric speech therapist but don't worry too much. I suspect she will catch up in due course of time.

Answer 5

Not speaking can be caused by many different things. You truly need to have the child tested.

Answer 6

I think it would be considered developmentally delayed

Answer 7

May be this is connected with how she realizes voice/s - her own voice and other's.

Answer 8

I don't know exactly, but maybe broca aphasia