ABSTRACT
At least 20% of children who are admitted to hospital have a neurological problem as either the sole or an associated complaint. Many childhood neurological disorders have a genetic (and sometimes metabolic) basis. Congenital malformations such as myelomeningocele (spina bifida, see Chapter 10) arise during embryogenesis. Fetal cerebrovascular accidents, intrauterine infections and inborn errors of metabolism may all produce a legacy of neurological impairment in infancy and childhood.
