Pediatric acute demyelinating syndromes: identification and management in the emergency department.

Abstract

Acute demyelinating disorders can present with vague complaints and subtle abnormalities of the neurological examination. A thorough history and physical examination are important for narrowing the differential diagnosis and determining which diagnostic studies are indicated. This issue focuses on the most common acute demyelinating disorders in children: Guillain-Barré syndrome and acute transverse myelitis. Common presenting signs and symptoms of these conditions are reviewed, and evidence-based recommendations are provided for the initial assessment and management of Guillain-Barré syndrome and acute transverse myelitis in the emergency department.