Altered Mental Status
Coma is the lack of any awareness of self and environment despite painful or other external stimulation ( Table 31.1 ). Delirium is an alternation in consciousness that falls along…
Dysmorphology
Dysmorphology evolved as a subset of clinical genetics that focused on standardizing the descriptive terminology used to define deviations from normal structural development in the context of syndromic disorders. These…
Disorders of Sex Development
The term disorders of sex development (DSD) replaces the former terms intersex and hermaphroditism ( Table 23.1 ). The most common presenting symptom of DSD is atypical (ambiguous) genitalia at…
Paroxysmal Disorders
Introduction Paroxysmal neurologic symptoms are often referred to by the generic term “spells”; these paroxysmal events can be neurologic, cardiovascular, or gastrointestinal in origin. Most paroxysmal neurologic symptoms can be…
Unusual Behaviors
The history is the most important tool for identifying a psychiatric disorder. The initial focus in conducting the history is to establish rapport and to ensure the child’s safety with…
Intellectual and Developmental Disability
Definitions Intellectual disability (ID) has replaced the older term mental retardation (MR), reflecting a more enlightened and progressive attitude toward individuals with disabilities. ID is characterized by significant limitations in…
Irritable Infant
An irritable infant is a challenge to the caregiver and medical provider and is a common presenting complaint in early infancy. An irritable infant is defined here as a patient…
Acute and Chronic Scrotal Swelling
The most serious causes of acute scrotal swelling are testicular torsion and incarcerated inguinal hernia, both of which necessitate immediate surgical correction. Consequently, a prompt, careful approach to a painful…