Miroshnykov O. Сlinical-neurophysiological and structural features of nervous system in young children with autistic spectrum disorders

The thesis is dedicated to searching a causes, improving of early diagnosis and treatment of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. Multidisciplinary examination of nervous system condition, determination of the features of bioelectric brain activity and structural changes in the brain by conducting electroencephalography (EEG), video-EEG monitoring and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain allow hourly diagnose pathological conditions which lie in the basis of ASD symptoms development. Characteristic signs of bioelectric brain activity abnormalities were the presents of focal epileptiform activity or local rhythm slowing of the in the front-temporal areas of the right hemisphere. The data concerning special structural brain changes such as corpus callosum hypoplasia, macrocephaly, cerebellar hyperplasia and focal lesions of white matter were obtained. The features of the debut, clinical course and symptoms depending on the severity of the disease determined. Efficacy of valproate sodium, which used to correct epileptic seizures and epileptiform activity, combined with basic therapy, was established. The efficacy and safety of neuroprotective therapy in children with ASD defined, signs of which is improvement of behavioral, speech and communicative functions.