Evaluation, Treatment, and Outcomes of Viral and Autoimmune Encephalitis in Children.

Viral encephalitis and autoimmune encephalitis are currently the most common causes of encephalitis. Determining the causative agent is helpful in initiating medical treatment that may help reduce long-term sequelae. Cerebrospinal fluid, neuroimaging, serologic, and electroencephalogram in combination with clinical manifestations play a role in determining the cause of the encephalitis.

A consensus statement on the use of botulinum toxin in pediatric patients.

Botulinum toxin has been used in medicine for the past 30 years. However, there continues to be controversy about the appropriate uses and dosing, especially in the pediatric population. A panel of nine pediatric physiatrists from different regions and previous training programs in the United States were nominated based on institutional reputation and botulinum toxin (BoNT) experience.

A narrative review of pharmacologic approaches to symptom management of pediatric patients diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis (ANMDARE) is one of the most common autoimmune encephalitis in the pediatric population. Patients with ANMDARE initially present with a prodrome of neuropsychiatric symptoms followed by progressively worsening seizures, agitation, and movement disorders. Complications can include problems such as aggression, insomnia, catatonia, and autonomic instability.

Nerve and Tendon Transfers After Spinal Cord Injuries in the Pediatric Population: Clinical Decision Making and Rehabilitation Strategies to Optimize Function.

With improvements in medical care, pediatric patients with spinal cord injuries with tetraplegia are living into adulthood. The goal of rehabilitation following loss of upper extremity function caused by tetraplegia is to maximize function and independence. Physiatrists must be aware of appropriate timing of referral for upper extremity surgery because it can have significant ramifications on the outcome.

A pragmatic approach to Botulinum Toxin safety.

Botulinum Toxin (BoNT) is widely used to treat hypertonia in pediatric patients. Although serious adverse events (AEs) occur infrequently, they can lead to significant patient morbidity and mortality. This paper will discuss potential safety risks that may affect outcomes, medical comorbidities, medication dosing, targeting techniques, and muscle morphology.