Historical aspects of the neonatal neurological examination: why child neurologists are not 'little' adult neurologists.
The origins of the neonatal neurological examination are described with their common basis attributable to evolutionary theory, the classical neurosciences, clinical neurology, and developmental psychology. It is shown that not only have the techniques of the bedside examination changed over the past half century but the purpose of the examination has also evolved; initially the examination was used to assess maturation of the developing infant, now it is used to determine whether cerebral pathology may be present and whether examination abnormalities are helpful in outcome assessment. The development of several of the current neonatal neuroogical examinations are reviewed and their cllinical and scientific basis examined.
Ashwal
S
S
Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA, USA.
D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009359:Neonatology / Q000266:history*; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000266:history*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000266:history*