Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2025

A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy
Published on: November 3, 2016
Neuromuscular problems of the critically Ill neonate and child
Leslie H Hayes1, Basil T Darras1
1Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
Insights
Acute neuromuscular disorders can arise in pediatric intensive care, either as primary conditions or secondary to critical illness. This review covers acute neuromuscular crises and critical illness-related disorders in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Neuromuscular Disorders
Background:
- Acute neuromuscular disorders are observed in Pediatric Neurologic Intensive Care Units.
- These disorders can be primary motor unit conditions or secondary to systemic illness.
- Critical illness can predispose children to specific acute motor unit disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss acute neuromuscular crises in pediatric patients.
- To review neuromuscular disorders associated with critical illness in children.
- To provide comprehensive information for managing these conditions in an intensive care setting.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of acute neuromuscular disorders in pediatric intensive care.
- Analysis of primary motor unit disorders presenting acutely.
- Examination of neuromuscular complications arising from critical illness.
Main Results:
- Identified primary neuromuscular disorders that present acutely or worsen with illness.
- Highlighted neuromuscular disorders that develop secondary to critical illness.
- Discussed the spectrum of acute neuromuscular conditions in infants, toddlers, and adolescents.
Conclusions:
- Acute neuromuscular disorders are a significant concern in pediatric intensive care.
- Both primary and critical illness-related neuromuscular conditions require careful management.
- Understanding these disorders is crucial for effective pediatric neurologic intensive care.
Abstract:
Acute neuromuscular disorders occasionally occur in the Pediatric Neurologic Intensive Care Unit. Many of these are primary disorders of the motor unit that may present acutely or exacerbate during an intercurrent illness. Additionally, acute neuromuscular disorders may develop during an acute systemic illness requiring intensive care management that predispose the child to another set of acute motor unit disorders. This chapter discusses acute neuromuscular crises in the infant, toddler, and adolescent, as well as neuromuscular disorders resulting from critical illness.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...

