Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 31, 2025

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

6.9K

Management of Neurological Emergencies in Children: An Updated Overview

Mario Mastrangelo1, Valentina Baglioni1

  • 1Child Neurology and Infantile Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.

Neuropediatrics
|June 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric neurological emergencies, including seizures and headaches, are common in emergency departments. This review offers updated guidance on diagnosing and managing these critical conditions, considering the COVID-19 pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

  • Neurological emergencies represent a significant portion of high-severity cases in pediatric emergency departments.
  • Approximately 75% of children with acute neurological symptoms present with seizures, headache, or paroxysmal events.
  • While life-threatening conditions are less common, prompt recognition and management are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide updated insights into the clinical features, diagnostic workup, and therapeutic management of pediatric neurological emergencies.
  • To review recent advancements concerning specific conditions like headache, febrile seizures, status epilepticus, altered consciousness, and motor/movement disorders.
  • To analyze the role of diagnostic tools and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric neurological emergency evaluation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent advancements in pediatric neurology and emergency care.
  • Synthesis of current evidence regarding clinical presentations and diagnostic strategies.
  • Analysis of therapeutic interventions and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Results:

  • Headache and febrile seizures are common presentations, with a low percentage of severe outcomes.
  • The review details current understanding of status epilepticus, altered levels of consciousness, and acute neurological deficits.
  • Diagnostic tools such as neuroimaging, lumbar puncture, and EEG are essential in the emergency setting.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of pediatric neurological emergencies requires up-to-date knowledge of clinical features and diagnostic tools.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unique challenges in evaluating and managing these conditions.
  • This review serves as a comprehensive resource for clinicians managing pediatric neurological emergencies.

More Related Videos

A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy10:02

A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy

Published on: November 3, 2016

24.9K
Early Pathological and Magnetic Resonance Detection of Cerebral Injury Using a Rat Model of Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy05:52

Early Pathological and Magnetic Resonance Detection of Cerebral Injury Using a Rat Model of Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Published on: October 28, 2022

883

Related Concept Videos

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management01:25

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...
161
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies01:30

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
85
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
549
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned...
226
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
76
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route01:18

Drug Delivery: Enteral Route

The enteral drug administration involves three primary routes: oral, sublingual, and buccal. Oral ingestion is the most prevalent, safe, economical, and convenient method for drug administration. However, it has certain drawbacks, including limited absorption due to the drug's low water solubility or poor membrane permeability, possible emesis from GI mucosa irritation, destruction of drugs by digestive enzymes or low gastric pH, and irregular absorption along with food or other drugs.
982