Pediatric neurology
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Pediatric neurology · Apr 2017
ReviewThe Potential for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Neuroimaging Techniques in Pediatric Stroke Research.
This article was written to provide clinicians and researchers with an overview of a number of advanced neuroimaging techniques in an effort to promote increased utility and the design of future studies using advanced neuroimaging in childhood stroke. The current capabilities of advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques provide the opportunity to build on our knowledge of the consequences of stroke on the developing brain. These capabilities include providing information about the physiology, metabolism, structure, and function of the brain that are not routinely evaluated in the clinical setting. ⋯ With the continued improvement in advanced neuroimaging techniques, including shorter acquisition times, there is an opportunity to apply these techniques to their full potential in the research setting and learn more about the effects of stroke in the developing brain.
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Pediatric neurology · Mar 2017
Case ReportsPost-Anoxic Reticular Reflex Myoclonus in a Child and Proposed Classification of Post-Anoxic Myoclonus.
We describe a child with post-anoxic myoclonus of the reticular reflex type and discuss the classification of post-anoxic myoclonus. ⋯ Reticular reflex myoclonus can be demonstrated by detailed neurophysiological assessment in children as in adults, and it has a similar poor prognosis in children. Post-anoxic myoclonus can have several mechanisms and should not be considered synonymous with Lance-Adams myoclonus.
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Pediatric neurology · Jan 2017
Willingness to Pay for a Newborn Screening Test for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
The current US mandatory newborn screening panel does not include spinal muscular atrophy, the most common fatal genetic disease among children. We assessed population preferences for newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy, and how test preferences varied depending on immediate treatment implications. ⋯ Most people would prefer and would be willing to pay for testing their newborn for spinal muscular atrophy, even in the absence of direct treatment. People perceive the spinal muscular atrophy test more valuable if treatment were available to improve the newborn's functioning and survival. Despite preferences for the test information, adding spinal muscular atrophy to newborn screening programs remains controversial. Future studies are needed to determine how early detection may impact long-term patient outcomes.
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Pediatric neurology · Dec 2016
Pediatric Stroke Clinical Pathway Improves the Time to Diagnosis in an Emergency Department.
Identified barriers to the diagnosis of pediatric stroke include delays in provider recognition and definitive neuroimaging (magnetic resonance imaging). Clinical pathways are recommended to address these barriers; yet few studies have evaluated their impact. Our aim is to describe the effect of a pediatric stroke clinical pathway on the diagnosis of stroke in patients presenting with focal neurological dysfunction to a pediatric emergency department. ⋯ The pediatric stroke clinical pathway improved time to definitive diagnosis and streamlined the care provided to children presenting to the pediatric emergency department with focal neurological dysfunction.