[Demand for neuropediatric services at a general referral hospital. IV. Psychomotor development and physical examination].
OBJECTIVE
Diagnosis in neuropediatrics requires a detailed personal and family history and thorough physical examination. In this paper we study the psychomotor development and physical examination of children evaluated during a 5 year period, from May 1990 to May 1995 by a neuropediatrician newly appointed to the Hospital Miguel Servet in Zaragoza, which previously did not have such a specialist.


RESULTS
Psychomotor retardation was seen in 19% of the children. In 50% of the children evaluated, significant data was obtained from the physical examination. The commonest finding, observed in 14% of the children, was of anomalous behaviour or an impression of mental deficiency. In decreasing order of frequency other data were: Diffuse pyramidal involvement, cranial nerve involvement, anomalous phenotype, microcephaly, microsomy, signs of neuromuscular involvement, hemiparesia, macrocephaly, skin markings, scoliosis, signs of extrapyramidal involvement, signs of cerebellar involvement, macrosomy and sensory disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
Diagnosis in neuropediatrics is directed or established, sometimes exclusively, by an extensive personal and family history and adequate interpretation of this, which in the end depends on the skill of the clinician.
López-Pisón
J
J
Sección de Neuropediatría, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España.
Baldellou
A
A
Rebage
V
V
Arana
T
T
Lobera
M P
MP
Peña-Segura
J L
JL
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006296:Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009462:Neurology; D010372:Pediatrics; D010808:Physical Examination; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
Estudio de la demanda asistencial de Neuropediatría en un hospital de referencia regional. IV. Desarrollo psicomotor y examen físico.