Pediatric Neurology Course

Lesson 1 • Neurophysiology in the Developing Brain

Examines synaptic formation, neurotransmitter systems, and electrophysiological properties unique to pediatric patients. Links physiology to observable developmental milestones.

Lesson 2 • Neurodevelopmental Anatomy Overview

Covers brain and spinal cord maturation from fetal stages through adolescence. Establishes the anatomical baseline required for all subsequent clinical reasoning.

Lesson 3 • Genetic and Metabolic Foundations

Introduces chromosomal, single-gene, and metabolic disorders affecting the pediatric nervous system. Provides the genetic literacy needed for later diagnostic chapters.

Lesson 1 • School-Age and Adolescent Neurological Exam

Applies standard adult neurological examination components modified for cooperative pediatric patients. Integrates cognitive screening into the routine exam.

Lesson 2 • Cranial Nerve Examination Across Ages

Provides a cranial nerve-by-nerve examination protocol adapted to developmental stage. Connects cranial nerve findings to specific neuroanatomical lesion localization.

Lesson 3 • Infant and Toddler Examination Techniques

Adapts examination strategies for pre-cooperative patients aged one month to three years. Emphasizes observation-based assessment and caregiver-assisted maneuvers.

Lesson 4 • Neonatal Neurological Assessment

Teaches systematic evaluation of tone, reflexes, and consciousness in newborns. Grounds students in the unique examination demands of the neonatal period.

Lesson 1 • Genetic and Metabolic Laboratory Testing

Guides selection and interpretation of chromosomal microarray, gene panels, and metabolic screens. Integrates laboratory results with clinical and imaging findings.

Lesson 2 • Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

Covers lumbar puncture technique, CSF collection, and interpretation of cell counts, protein, glucose, and special studies. Ties CSF findings to infectious and inflammatory diagnoses.

Lesson 3 • Electroencephalography in Children

Teaches EEG acquisition, age-normative patterns, and abnormality recognition in pediatric patients. Directly supports epilepsy diagnosis covered in later chapters.

Lesson 4 • Pediatric Neuroimaging Fundamentals

Covers MRI, CT, and ultrasound indications, protocols, and age-specific considerations. Trains systematic image review for common pediatric neurological conditions.

Lesson 1 • Non-Pharmacological Epilepsy Treatments

Evaluates ketogenic diet, surgical evaluation, neuromodulation, and dietary therapies for drug-resistant epilepsy. Prepares students to counsel families on non-drug options.

Lesson 2 • Antiseizure Medication Management

Covers pharmacokinetics, dosing, monitoring, and adverse effects of antiseizure medications in children. Addresses age-specific drug metabolism and polypharmacy risks.

Lesson 3 • Status Epilepticus Management

Provides a stepwise emergency protocol for convulsive and non-convulsive status epilepticus in children. Integrates airway management, medication escalation, and monitoring.

Lesson 4 • Seizure Classification and Semiology

Applies current international seizure and epilepsy classification to pediatric cases. Trains precise semiology documentation as the foundation for accurate diagnosis.

Lesson 1 • Language and Learning Disorders

Distinguishes specific language impairment, dyslexia, and other learning disorders using neurological and educational criteria. Links neurological findings to educational accommodations.

Lesson 2 • Intellectual Disability Assessment

Defines intellectual disability using adaptive and cognitive criteria, and guides etiological workup. Prepares students to set realistic goals and coordinate support services.

Lesson 3 • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Covers ADHD subtypes, rating scale interpretation, and pharmacological and behavioral management in children. Addresses comorbid learning and mood disorders.

Lesson 4 • Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluation

Applies diagnostic criteria, standardized screening tools, and clinical observation to ASD evaluation. Connects early identification to improved long-term outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Acute Bacterial Meningitis

Covers rapid diagnosis, empiric antibiotic selection, and adjunctive therapy for bacterial meningitis in children. Emphasizes time-to-treatment as a determinant of outcome.

Lesson 2 • Raised Intracranial Pressure Management

Teaches recognition of raised ICP signs, tiered medical management, and indications for neurosurgical intervention. Integrates monitoring parameters and treatment endpoints.

Lesson 3 • Viral Encephalitis and Autoimmune Encephalitis

Distinguishes infectious from autoimmune encephalitis using clinical, CSF, and antibody criteria. Guides empiric antiviral and immunotherapy initiation.

Lesson 4 • Pediatric Stroke Recognition and Management

Applies pediatric stroke recognition tools, imaging protocols, and acute intervention strategies. Addresses arterial ischemic stroke and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis.

Lesson 1 • Muscular Dystrophies and Myopathies

Covers clinical features, genetic diagnosis, and multisystem management of Duchenne, Becker, and congenital myopathies. Addresses cardiac and respiratory surveillance.

Lesson 2 • Ataxia Syndromes in Children

Differentiates acute, episodic, and progressive ataxia using clinical, imaging, and genetic criteria. Addresses Friedreich ataxia, ataxia-telangiectasia, and acquired causes.

Lesson 3 • Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Applies SMA type classification, newborn screening integration, and disease-modifying therapy selection. Prepares students to manage respiratory and nutritional support.

Lesson 4 • Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders

Classifies tics, chorea, dystonia, and tremor in children and guides etiological workup and pharmacotherapy. Connects movement phenomenology to underlying neurological diagnosis.

Lesson 1 • Lysosomal Storage Disorders Affecting the Brain

Identifies neurological manifestations of Gaucher, Niemann-Pick, and GM2 gangliosidoses and guides enzyme and substrate reduction therapy. Links biochemical defect to clinical phenotype.

Lesson 2 • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses

Covers CLN gene subtypes, clinical progression, and enzyme replacement and gene therapy options. Prepares students to coordinate palliative and supportive care.

Lesson 3 • Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelination

Applies McDonald criteria adapted for children to diagnose MS and distinguish it from monophasic demyelination. Guides disease-modifying therapy initiation and monitoring.

Lesson 4 • Leukodystrophies and White Matter Disorders

Classifies leukodystrophies by MRI pattern and genetic etiology, guiding targeted diagnostic workup. Covers hematopoietic stem cell transplant indications and supportive care.