The Child With Acute Weakness

Infants and children are commonly brought to the emergency department (ED) with a complaint of acute weakness. A good history and physical are paramount in determining etiology. Once a diagnosis is suspected, diagnostic tests such as a lumbar puncture and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine will help to further define the etiology and guide therapy. Many causes of acute weakness have the potential for respiratory compromise, and ED practitioners must continually and closely evaluate patients and may choose to electively intubate.
Source: Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research