Unit 1578: Pediatric Neurology

1. Introduction to Pediatric Neurology

• Definition and scope of pediatric neurology
• Differences between adult and pediatric neurology
• Challenges in diagnosing neurological disorders in children
• Overview of treatment principles unique to pediatric patients

2. Neurodevelopmental Milestones

• Overview of neurodevelopment
• Motor skill milestones
  • Gross motor skills (e.g., sitting, crawling, walking)
  • Fine motor skills (e.g., grasping, manipulating objects)
• Language development
  • Receptive and expressive language milestones
  • Early speech patterns
• Social and emotional development
  • Social interactions and play behavior
  • Emotional regulation and recognition
• Clinical importance of milestone tracking

3. Common Pediatric Neurological Disorders

• Epilepsy
  • Types and presentations
  • Seizure classification in children
• Cerebral palsy
  • Etiology and types
  • Clinical features
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Diagnostic criteria
  • Behavioral manifestations
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • Core features and diagnosis
  • Spectrum variability
• Other relevant disorders (brief overview)

4. Diagnostic Tools in Pediatric Neurology

• Imaging studies
  • MRI and CT scans: indications and interpretation
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
  • Role in epilepsy and other disorders
• Genetic testing
  • Types of tests and their utility
  • Interpretation and counseling considerations
• Developmental assessments
  • Standardized tools and their applications
  • Role in early detection and monitoring

5. Treatment Approaches in Pediatric Neurology

• Pharmacological treatments
  • Common medications and indications
  • Considerations for pediatric dosing and side effects
• Therapeutic interventions
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
• Surgical interventions
  • Indications and common procedures
• Alternative and complementary therapies
  • Overview and evidence base

6. Neurogenetics in Pediatric Neurology

• Genetic basis of neurological disorders
• Role of genetic counseling
• Impact of genetic findings on diagnosis and personalized treatment
• Emerging technologies and future directions

7. Neurological Emergencies in Pediatrics

• Status epilepticus
  • Definition, recognition, and management
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Types and acute management
• Pediatric stroke
  • Presentation and urgent care
• Meningitis and encephalitis
  • Signs, diagnosis, and treatment protocols

8. Pediatric Neuropsychology

• Intersection of neurology and psychology
• Assessment of cognitive functions
  • Memory, attention, executive function
• Behavioral assessments
• Designing interventions to support brain development

9. Neurological Rehabilitation in Pediatrics

• Principles of rehabilitation
• Role of interdisciplinary teams
• Goal setting and individualized care plans
• Long-term management and follow-up

10. Ethical and Legal Issues in Pediatric Neurology

• Informed consent and assent in children
• Decision-making for children with neurological disabilities
• End-of-life care considerations
• Confidentiality and privacy issues
• Legal frameworks and advocacy