Article: An overview of the central nervous system and principles of neurological assessment

This article aims to provide an overview of the embryology, anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system (CNS), relating this to the principles of neurological assessment and some f the common neurological symptoms seen in infants and children.   A CPD multiple-choice quiz on this article is also available on request

Crawford, D. 2020.  Biological basis of child health 4: an overview of the central nervous system and principles of neurological assessment.   Nursing Children and Young People, 32 (5) p 33 - 41.

Contact the library for a copy

Article: Investigation and management of childhood dystonia

Dystonia is a challenging condition to diagnose and treat.  It is often under recognised in children with cerebral palsy and frequently co-exists with spasticity.  This guide aims to simplify the approach to diagnosis, investigation and treatment. 

Forman, E. et al. 2020.  Fifteen minute consultation: approach to investigation, and management of childhood dystonia.  Archives of Diseases in Childhood: Education and Practice. epub 19 October 2020.

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Article: Rare health conditions: Krabbe disease and Batten disease

From the British Journal of  Healthcare Assistants a good overview of these two conditions, signs and symptoms, long term prognosis and treatment and management options.  

Barber, C. 2020.  Rare health conditions 39: Krabbe disease; chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature syndrome (CANDLE) and Batten disease.   British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 14 (9) p 423 - 427.

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Article: Cerebral Palsy: not always what it seems

Cerebral palsy is not a disease but a neurological syndrome, a combination of symptoms and signs, some of which occur in neurodegenerative or metabolic disorders.  This article provides guidance on the causes of familial cerebral palsy, the more common 30  disorders which may be misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy and the signs and symptoms that go along with these conditions.

Appleton, R. E. & Gupta, R.  2018.  Cerebral Palsy: not always what it seems. Archives of Diseases in Childhood. 104 p 809-814.

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Article: Tay-Sachs disease

Tay-Sachs disease is a rare inherited condition that mainly affects babies and young children.  It stops the nerves working properly and is usually fatal.    This article written for student nurses provides an overview of the disease, who it affects, the genetics, the three most common forms, and palliative care management.  It includes a short case study and the care received at a hospice.

Tay-Sachs disease, 2018, Nursing Children and Young People, 30 (5) p 17

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Book: Childhood Epilepsy: a handbook for parents

Published by Young Epilepsy, the handbook has been written to support families with a child with epilepsy.  Useful for new staff who may not know too much about epilepsy, the handbook is informative with input from Great Ormond Street and parents who told the authors what they would like to have known when their child was first diagnosed.   It covers how epilepsy presents, the different types of seizures, epilepsy syndromes, managing seizures, treatments for epilepsy, living with epilepsy, learning and behaviour problems, and epilepsy and adolescence.  

Contact the library  for a loan - copies available at each of EACH sites.

Book: A guide to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): information and advice for teenagers and parents

The book helps teachers and parents support children and young people with DMD with their education and transition into adulthood.  Going beyond physical management, particular focus is put on learning and behavioural issues, including speech delay, difficulty learning to read, as well as common associated conditions such as ADHD, autism, and OCD.

Hoskin, J. 2017.  A guide to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): information and advice for teenagers and parents.  Jessica Kingsley.

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[Article] Understanding about SUDEP - Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is rare.    Written by a GP who specialises in epilepsy, this article from the Epilepsy Society  Magazine discusses the prevalence of SUDEP in the UK, who is more likely to be at risk and steps that can be taken to try and prevent this happening.

Rogers, G. 2014.  Understanding about SUDEP.  Epilepsy Review Magazine. Issue 10, Summer

Access the article here

[Article] Autistic spectrum conditions: the essentials for healthcare assistants

This article seeks to give a brief overview of autism.  Issues covered include it's symptoms, treatments and how to work and how not to work with those who have an autistic spectrum disorder.

Wallang, P., Elmer, D. & Woodage, J. 2015.   Autistic spectrum conditions: the essentials for healthcare assistants.  British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 10 (2) p 62-65.

To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

[Update] Batten Disease - Clinical Trials

Update from Batten Disease Family Association (BDFA) on research studies and a number of clinical trials currently underway.

To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

[Article] Epilespy and seizures: sorting out seizures

Written by a US Paediatric Neurologist for both healthcare staff and parents, this very informative article (part 1) discusses the importance of being able to identify seizures, in particular what the seizure looks like, how it starts, how it progresses, whether the patient is alert or not.   It details conditions that often mimic seizures, as well as the various types of seizures that occur, particularly in childhood and adolescents. 

Wolf, S. & McGoldrick P.  2013. Epilepsy and seizures: sorting out seizures.  Exceptional Parents, 43 (11) p 38 - 42.

To access electronically, click here, log in using your Athens username and password and search via the CINAHL database.

[New book] Paediatric Neurology

Paediatric Neurology contains all the necessary guidance to investigate, diagnose and treat many of the common and rare neurological conditions in paediatrics. Each condition is covered by its own topic providing information on symptoms and signs, complications and emergency intervention. Other contents include: anatomical diagrams for quick and easy reference; expert guidance on drug usage in paediatric neurology; highlighted emergencies section; and, North American perspectives on management.  Pocket size, 630 pages.

Forsythe, F. & Newton, R. 2014  Paediatric Neurology.  Oxford Medical Publications.

EACH Library Members - email the library to request a loan.