ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the neurologic examination of young children. As the examination is proceeding, the neurologist attempts to localize the problem and is considering possible etiologies. Attention may be focused on a particular area of the nervous system, based on the history and as the neurologic signs are found during the assessment. The command instructions for the voluntary control of movements of all types are also sent to cerebellum, which then feeds back via cerebello-thalamo-cortical connections for possible adjustment of the movement. In neurologically healthy persons, this is done without conscious involvement. In addition, the reflex responses of the cornea and the pupil and the response to testing of the oculocephalic reflex for pontine integrity would be important aspects of the neurological examination of someone in coma. Throughout the assessment, the adult neurological examination sequence that one has already learned must be kept in mind, with each item mentally filled in as circumstances permit.
