1418 Leukodystrophy & Its Effects on Rehabilitation of Children with Cochlear Implant: A Preliminary Case Study

Abstract

Leukodystrophy is genetic, abnormal growth of white matter of nervous system, creating hindrance in the transmission of electrical nerve signals. The features associated may range from changes in cognition, speech disturbances, SN hg deficits, intellectual decline & behavioral changes.

5 out of 8 children implanted at the, with CI 24M NUCLEUS implant with straight electrode array had Leukodystrophy in MRI findings. The anatomy of cochlea & cochlear turns being normal aided us in getting acceptance in favor of implantation from the pediatric neurologist. The purpose of presenting this case report is to solve the mystery, that the problems in speech development (post therapy), is the result of leukodystrophic changes in the brain or it is due to the problem in auditory processing (as a result of leukodystrophic changes in brain) or both of them are linked. These children had varied levels of difficulty in listening & speech & language acquisition post implantation. Moreover they are striving hard to perform better on integrated speech & listening scale.

Furthermore, it can also be hypothesized that leukodystrophies may interfere with our expectations after implantation & may be indicative of APD.

In fact, it really remains to be seen if such children should be implanted or what best can be done in such cases. If such kind of problems persist, then will it be better to put the child on total communication rather then fitting him with CI, & causing more psycho-social stress for the family, the child himself & also for the therapist??.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD