Seminars in pediatric neurology
-
Co-morbid sleep disorders are quite common in Child Neurology. Formal training in the field of sleep medicine and routine attention to sleep-wake function in clinical practice enhances the ability of the child neurologist to deliver comprehensive care.
-
As traumatic brain injury is among the most common causes of pediatric mortality and neurologic morbidity, the well-trained child neurologist should have a solid foundation of the pathogenesis of traumatic brain injury and be competent in the acute and chronic management of children and adolescents who experience a traumatic brain injury. This article outlines the training goals and core knowledge of traumatic brain injury that should be attained by those training in child neurology by the completion of their formal training.
-
Neurocritical care (NCC) is now an essential field in child neurology that requires dedicated training. NCC applies the basic principles of neuroresuscitation to all situations, integrates this with modern technology. and emphasizes that brain protection is not limited to the intensive care unit. We outline the essential competencies needed and how to obtain these.
-
The field of pediatric neuromuscular disorders provides rich training experiences in child neurology residency programs. Specific learning objectives include skills in examination and assessment, familiarity with muscle and nerve studies, and indications for biopsies. This review also specifies which neuromuscular disorders are most important to cover within the resident's scope of knowledge, as well as the relationship of this field to the core competencies of residency training. Appropriate settings for inclusion of these skills in child neurology residency programs are suggested.
-
Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are individually rare, but collectively common, and impose a burden on affected individuals, their families and society that is disproportionate to their individual incidence and prevalence. Child neurologists should be able to recognize the possibility of an IEM as the cause of their patients' symptoms and signs, and utilize online and print resources to initiate an appropriate work up and referrals. ⋯ They should also be prepared to manage affected children as part of a multidisciplinary team that draws on the skills of other professionals and community organizations. Because of rapid advances in diagnostic technology and the improving survival of children with IEMs, all child neurologists should anticipate caring for children and families with IEMs, and must acquire the ability to diagnose and manage these disorders as part of their residency training, recognizing that maintenance of this competence requires a commitment to life-long learning.