Neonatal Hypertonia: II. differential diagnosis and proposed neuroprotection.
More accurate documentation of a neonate's specific hypertonic state could be helpful as part of serial neurologic examinations. The clinician would then be in a more advantageous position to choose the appropriate neuroprotective drug or the procedure that best fits with the etiology, localization, and timing of injury. Ideally, choices for neuroprotection will integrate history, examination, and diagnostic findings before considering options for prophylaxis, neurorescue, or neurorepair. Measuring the efficacy of a neuroprotection protocol should include a complete list of life-course challenges, including motor, epileptic, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes as expressed at successively older ages.
Scher
Mark S
MS
Program in Fetal and Neonatal Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-6090, USA. Mark.Scher@UHhospitals.org
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009122:Muscle Hypertonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents