Muscle physiology and the science of tone agents.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) encompasses a spectrum of permanent motor disorders stemming from early insults to the developing brain, resulting in alterations in muscle tone. While spasticity and dystonia are common motor disorders in CP, non-neural factors such as changes in muscle architecture contribute to muscle stiffness. Muscle stiffness in CP involves changes in muscle morphology and structure.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Disparities in Healthcare Transition in Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability among children, affecting their lifespan. While CP is typically nonprogressive, symptoms can worsen over time. With advancements in healthcare, more children with CP are reaching adulthood, creating a greater demand for adult care.

Jump Performance and Its Relationship with Lower Body Joint Kinetics and Kinematics in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Purpose: The aim was to quantify jump performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and determine if the expected deficit is related to their lower body joint kinetics and kinematics.

Methods: Twenty-four ambulatory ( n = 17 level I and 7 level II in the Gross Motor Function Classification System) children with spastic CP ( n = 13 unilateral and 11 bilateral) and 24 age-, sex-, and race-matched typically developing controls were studied. Jump height and peak power and range of motion at the hip, knee, and ankle of the more affected limb in children with CP and the nondominant limb in controls were assessed during a countermovement jump using three-dimensional motion capture and a force platform.

Core components of a rehabilitation program in pediatric cardiac disease.

There is increasing effort in both the inpatient and outpatient setting to improve care, function, and quality of life for children with congenital heart disease, and to decrease complications. As the mortality rates of surgical procedures for congenital heart disease decrease, improvement in perioperative morbidity and quality of life have become key metrics of quality of care. Quality of life and function in patients with congenital heart disease can be affected by multiple factors: the underlying heart condition, cardiac surgery, complications, and medical treatment.

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.

Early mobilization in a pediatric intensive care unit and WeeFIM scores at rehabilitation: A retrospective study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between early mobility (EM) of pediatric patients mechanically ventilated and functional outcomes in rehabilitation using WeeFIM scores, as well as hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, and rehabilitation LOS.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 189 patients was completed to compare those who received EM interventions to those who did not in the ICU. Data extracted from the years 2015-2019 included: all patients who were between zero and 21 years, were mechanically ventilated via endotracheal tube (ETT) for > 48 hours, and then transferred to the comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation unit (IRU).

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.

Association of Chronic Pain With Participation in Motor Skill Activities in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

This cross-sectional study examines the association between pain and activities requiring motor skill performance among a nationally representative sample of US children with cerebral palsy.

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.

Early Functional Outcomes for Pediatric Patients Diagnosed with Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis during Inpatient Rehabilitation.

Objective: The aims of the current study were to characterize the demographic and clinical presentation of pediatric patients diagnosed with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis who require inpatient rehabilitation, to examine early functional outcomes, and to investigate predictors of early recovery.

Design: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 27 pediatric patients diagnosed with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis who received intensive inpatient neurorehabilitation.

Results: On average, patients were 10.

Amantadine-Induced Corneal Edema in a Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Patient: A Case Report.

Amantadine is commonly prescribed as a neurostimulant in patients with brain injuries. This is a case of a 14-year-old male with a history of brain tumor that developed corneal edema after initiation of amantadine, a rare but documented side effect of this medication. After discontinuation of amantadine, the corneal edema resolved within two months, but endothelial cells density remained low.