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. Although motor dysfunction tends to improve, there is a significant risk of long-term neurologic and cognitive sequelae. These persistent deficits that occur in childhood indicate the importance for ongoing rehabilitative services to maximize functional skills, improve cognitive deficits, and assist with community integration.

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. Based on a review of the current literature, the goal was to provide the rationale for recommendations on the administration of BoNT in the pediatric population. The goal was not only to review safety, dosing, and injection techniques but also to develop a consensus on the appropriate uses in the pediatric population. In addition to upper and lower limb spasticity, the consensus also provides recommendations for congenital muscular torticollis, cervical dystonia, sialorrhea, and brachial plexus palsies.

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. Due to the complexity of this disease process, symptom management can be complex and may lead to significant polypharmacy. The goal of this review is to educate clinicians about the challenges of managing this disorder and providing guidance in symptom management.

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. This article discusses the 2 most commonly used surgical strategies to restore upper extremity function: upper extremity tendon transfer and nerve grafting/transfer. Patient selection, physical examination, electrodiagnostic evaluation, and optimization of postoperative rehabilitation are important.

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. It is the responsibility of the physician to discuss risks and benefits regarding the use of BoNT and mitigate risks of AEs while maximizing the effectiveness of the medication.