Pediatric Neurology - Kanoff Flashcards
What does “reserve capacity” mean?
The younger you are the more you can accommodate and recover from injury due to more plasticity.
When is the “ideal time” for a brain injury? Why?
3-7 years of age
-development has taken place and brain plasticity remains high
Around what age does myelin mature?
22-26 years
girls myelinate at a younger age
What is the most vulnerable area of the brain in a full term baby?
Watershed Area = between anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral arteries
-causes arm problems (more often than legs)
Why is the Watershed Area different in preterm babies?
Vessels not as developed - more of a network
- vulnerable area is the white matter next the lateral ventricles
- causes problems with the legs (more than the arms)
How is half of the neurological exam done on a pediatric patient?
Watching the patient walk into the exam room
- watching them interact
- listening to them
What is one of the most important parts of examination of the infant?
Skin
What components of infant examination are unique?
- Traction pull
- Vertical suspension
- Horizontal suspension
- Thumbs and fisting
- Growth charts
What are two common diagnoses you never want to miss in pediatric patients?
- Leukodystrophy
- Muscular dystrophy
