Seminars in pediatric neurology
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Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are individually rare, but collectively common, and impose a burden on affected individuals, their families and society that is disproportionate to their individual incidence and prevalence. Child neurologists should be able to recognize the possibility of an IEM as the cause of their patients' symptoms and signs, and utilize online and print resources to initiate an appropriate work up and referrals. ⋯ They should also be prepared to manage affected children as part of a multidisciplinary team that draws on the skills of other professionals and community organizations. Because of rapid advances in diagnostic technology and the improving survival of children with IEMs, all child neurologists should anticipate caring for children and families with IEMs, and must acquire the ability to diagnose and manage these disorders as part of their residency training, recognizing that maintenance of this competence requires a commitment to life-long learning.
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The curriculum for child neurology trainees should include information regarding the many infectious and post-infectious disorders that affect the developing nervous system. This article provides recommendations regarding the nature of the educational content and suggestions how this content can be provided to trainees.
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Neurocritical care (NCC) is now an essential field in child neurology that requires dedicated training. NCC applies the basic principles of neuroresuscitation to all situations, integrates this with modern technology. and emphasizes that brain protection is not limited to the intensive care unit. We outline the essential competencies needed and how to obtain these.
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The training of the child neurologist in the fundamentals of neurology is discussed. Although the fundamentals of neurology are clearly necessary for the practice of child neurology, the breadth of the background necessary for the practice of child neurology depend on the interest, enthusiasm, and goals of the resident in question. Some of the issues involved in the design and implementation of the training curriculum will be considered.
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The discipline of childhood movement disorders is an exciting new area of specialization within the field of pediatric neurology. Establishing a formal educational system is an ongoing challenge that should include the standardization of movement definitions, the development of a formal classification system for existing disorders, the adequate exposure of trainees to both common and rare disorders, and the ongoing formulation of topic guidelines and consensus papers. Specific suggestions and recommendations are provided for further discussion.