Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine
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J Pediatr Rehabil Med · Jan 2021
Case ReportsSpinal cord infarction in children: Can gymnastics be a cause?
Spinal cord infarction (SCI) in children is rare and difficult to diagnose. Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is probably the underlying cause for some unexplained cases of spinal cord infarcts. Abrupt back pain followed by a progressive syndrome of myelopathy appears to be the typical presentation, with a close temporal relationship between the onset of symptoms and preceding minor trauma. Supportive care and rehabilitation are essential in the treatment of children with SCI. ⋯ Given the patient's age and clinical presentation, a literature review led to the consideration of FCE as the most likely definitive diagnosis. It should be recognized as a cause of SCI especially in those involved in sport activities, even if previous trauma is denied.
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J Pediatr Rehabil Med · May 2016
Functional outcomes during inpatient rehabilitation for American Indian and Alaska Native children with traumatic brain injury.
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people have the highest traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related mortality in the United States, but little is known about AI/AN children who survive traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study compares function and factors associated with discharge function between AI/AN and White children with TBI during inpatient rehabilitation. ⋯ Overall, AI/AN race was not associated with inpatient rehabilitation function for children with TBI, but providers should not assume AI/ANs with more severe injuries have equitable outcomes.
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J Pediatr Rehabil Med · Jan 2015
Emergency department use among children with tracheostomies: Avoidable visits.
To characterize high emergency department (ED) use by children with tracheostomies and complex chronic conditions, to distinguish avoidable from unavoidable ED visits, and to describe the financial impact of avoidable visits. ⋯ One-third of ED visits by children with tracheostomies and complex chronic conditions may be avoidable. Increased ambulatory access to interdisciplinary teams of providers familiar with these children's unique needs might reduce avoidable ED visits and improve health outcomes. Further studies on how this model of ambulatory care might affect ED utilization and total healthcare costs are needed.
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J Pediatr Rehabil Med · Jan 2015
Increased brain activation during working memory processing after pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
The neural substrate of post-concussive symptoms following the initial injury period after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in pediatric populations remains poorly elucidated. This study examined neuropsychological, behavioral, and brain functioning in adolescents post-mTBI to assess whether persistent differences were detectable up to a year post-injury. ⋯ Greater working memory task-related activation was found in adolescents up to one year post-mTBI relative to controls, potentially indicating compensatory activation to support normal task performance. Differences in brain activation in the mTBI group so long after injury may indicate residual alterations in brain function much later than would be expected based on the typical pattern of symptom recovery, which could have important clinical implications.
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J Pediatr Rehabil Med · Jan 2015
Observational StudyWhite matter alterations in youth with acute mild traumatic brain injury.
To examine acute alterations in white matter (WM) diffusion based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in youth with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) relative to orthopedic injury (OI) controls. ⋯ Alterations of diffusivity were detected in spatially heterogeneous WM regions shortly after mTBI in youth. The pattern of alterations may reflect restrictive water diffusion in WM early post-injury.