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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
An abdominal mass or abdominal fullness in a child usually becomes apparent when it enlarges enough to be visualized during bathing or palpable on physical examination. Masses may arise from…
Prepubertal Vaginal Bleeding (See Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, p. 2613.) The source of abnormal bleeding during childhood is much more likely to be the vulva or vagina rather than the…
Definitions Vomiting encompasses all retrograde ejection of gastrointestinal (or esophageal) contents from the mouth. Vomiting is subdivided according to its forcefulness; thus, effortless or nearly effortless regurgitation is distinguished from…
Acute abdominal pain is usually a self-limiting, benign condition that is commonly caused by gastroenteritis, constipation, or a viral illness. The challenge is to identify children who require immediate evaluation…
