pediatric neurology

Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly during fetal development. This condition can range from mild to severe, depending on the type, size, and location of the defect. The image illustrates both an anatomical cross-section of the spinal defect and an infant with visible spina bifida on the lower back. Early diagnosis, proper management, and ongoing medical care are crucial for individuals with this condition to achieve the best possible outcomes and quality of life.

Leigh syndrome, first described by Denis Leigh in 1951, is a severe progressive neurometabolic disorder characterized by bilateral symmetric necrotic lesions in subcortical regions of the central nervous system. Originally termed subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy, this disorder represents a final common phenotype for various genetic defects affecting energy metabolism.

West Syndrome, also known as infantile spasms, is a rare but severe form of age-dependent epileptic encephalopathy that typically manifests in infancy. This devastating condition is characterized by the triad of infantile spasms, hypsarrhythmia on EEG, and developmental regression. Early recognition and prompt intervention are crucial for optimizing outcomes in affected infants.

A detailed clinical review of cerebral palsy covering classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and outcomes for healthcare professionals and medical students.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. They occur during the first month of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she's pregnant. The neural tube is the embryonic structure that eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord and the tissues that enclose them. When this tube does not close completely, it results in neural tube defects.