Child neurology

Journal of Neurology -     

Child neurology and rehabilitation

The history of child neurology and the changing pattern of research methods in this field are reviewed with special reference to holoprosencephaly and recent technical advances in sleep research. This is followed by a discussion on the relationship between child neurology and rehabilitation. The majority of child neurologic disorders are developmental disabilities, but acquired child neurological diseases also show chronic progressive course in many cases. Therefore, child neurologist should understand the basis of rehabilitation approach and appreciate the three classes of disabilities; subsequently, a plan needs to be incorporating medical treatment and a program of rehabilitation for the disabled children. It is important that the role of the various rehabilitation specialists (rehabilitation doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and others) are understood in relation to the work of pediatric neurologist. Finally, a brief discussion is presented on the rehabilitation approach of patients with hypoxic encephalopathy and the information of welfare equipment.     

Child neurology services in Africa

The first African Child Neurology Association meeting identified key challenges that the continent faces to improve the health of children with neurology disorders. The capacity to diagnose common neurologic conditions and rare disorders is lacking. The burden of neurologic disease on the continent is not known, and this lack of knowledge limits the ability to lobby for better health care provision. Inability to practice in resource-limited settings has led to the migration of skilled professionals away from Africa. Referral systems from primary to tertiary are often unpredictable and chaotic. There is a lack of access to reliable supplies of basic neurology treatments such as antiepileptic drugs. Few countries have nationally accepted guidelines either for the management of epilepsy or status epilepticus. There is a great need to develop better training capacity across Africa in the recognition and management of neurologic conditions in children, from primary health care to the subspecialist level.     

Child neurology: hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome

Hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy (HHE) syndrome is an uncommon outcome of prolonged focal status epilepticus in childhood. The prolonged focal motor seizure usually occurs during the course of a febrile illness and is followed by hemiplegia ipsilateral to the side of convulsions. This is accompanied by radiologic evidence of acute cytotoxic edema in the affected hemisphere followed by chronic atrophy. Intractable epilepsy may develop at a time remote from the initial presentation. The clinical features of HHE syndrome were first described more than 5 decades ago but its pathophysiology remains poorly understood and the long-term cognitive outcomes are unclear. Early recognition of the syndrome may help provide patients and families with an accurate prognosis regarding the subsequent development of epilepsy.     

Child neurology and the Internet

The Internet has become available as a tool to disseminate and gain access to information as well as to provide an ease of communication. The current question before us is how will we, as child neurologists, take advantage of this opportunity? This article delineates examples of current useful resources, investigates the potential of the Internet for neurology, and suggests a “vision” for the future of neurology on the Internet.     

Child neurology and multimedia technology]

Methods of computer technology (intelligent technology, IT), such as multimedia and virtual reality, are utilized more and more in all medical fields including child neurology. Advances in the digitalization of individual medical data and multi-media technology have enabled patients to be able to obtain their own medical data by small media and to receive medical treatment at any hospitals even if they are located in distance place. Changes from a doctor oriented to patients oriented medicine is anticipated. It is necessary to store medical data from birth to adulthood and to accumulate epidemiological data of rare diseases such as metabolic diseases or degenerative diseases especially in child neurology, which highly require tele medicine and telecare at home. Moreover, IT may improve in the QOL of patients with neurological diseases and of their families. Cooperation of medicine and engineering is therefore necessary. Results of our experiments on telemedicine, telecare and virtual reality are described.     

Oral session 3: Child neurology

Journal of Neurology -     

Oral session 3: Child neurology

Oral session 3: Child neurology     

Oral session 10: Child neurology

Journal of Neurology -     

Child neurology residency training in neuromuscular disorders

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.     

Child neurology and neuronal apoptosis: introductory remarks

Apoptosis is one type of cell death characterized morphologically by nuclear condensation and shrinkage of cell bodies. Thus, it is completely different from necrosis in features. Recently, it is suggested that apoptosis occurs in some neurodegenerative diseases of childhood as well as adulthood. Therefore, it is very important to reveal mechanisms of neuronal apoptosis. To the end, it is expected that new therapies will be developed to prevent the progress of neurodegenerative diseases. Based on such expectation, this symposium was organized to present recent progress in neuronal apoptosis research.