Some neurological findings in infants and children can be subtle or dismissed as unimportant. However, not addressing these findings can lead to unintended consequences as they grow older and even into adulthood. Symptoms of craniosynostosis, microcephaly/macrocephaly, brain tumors, and tethered cord syndrome can often be detected in infants and children, allowing early intervention and treatment.
This presentation will discuss four common neurological findings that could be dismissed in infants and young children yet lead to long term consequences if untreated: misshapen infant head, suspected premature closure of the anterior fontanel, headaches, and cutaneous lesions along the spine. These findings may not be related to the presenting diagnosis but are noted during the neurological examination and may surprise the examiner. This presentation will include case studies, pre-, post-, and intra-operative photographs, neurodiagnostic imaging, treatment, and outcomes.
Neuroscience nurses need to be aware of these neurological findings, particularly if they see infants or young children as part of their practice. Early recognition can alleviate parents’ anxiety, answer their questions, and provide treatment when necessary to prevent long term consequences.
