Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
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Spinal cord infarction is extremely rare in childhood and can result from a wide range of causes. Fibrocartilaginous embolism can give rise to spinal stroke and mimic non-vascular disease such as acute transverse myelitis. ⋯ We outline the key clinical and radiographic features that enable spinal cord infarction to be differentiated from transverse myelitis. Prognosis depends on many factors such as extent and type of injury, level of the cord affected, and age at the time of spinal cord infarction.
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Intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) has been used in the treatment of spasticity and dystonia. In our pediatric movement disorder clinic, we noted a delay in referral of patients for consideration of ITB. Often, only after years of failed medical therapy, a baclofen pump is considered. This study attempts to investigate the prevalence, length and causes of the delay. ⋯ Despite the limitations of this subjective retrospective analysis of outcomes and delay in referral, the opinions of the parents and caregivers should be considered. Earlier referral for ITB therapy may better treat severe spasticity in pediatric patients.