Principles and Practice of Child Neurology in Infancy

Kennedy C. ed. Principles and Practice of Child Neurology in Infancy, 2nd ed. London: Mac Keith Press; 2020:555. ISBN: 978–1-911612–00–1. £ 65.00

This is the second edition of the book Principles and Practice of Child Neurology, edited by Colin Kennedy and published in 2020 (the first edition was published in 2012). The authors are renowned experts in their field from European centers of child neurology. The concept of a symptom-based approach in the first edition of the book has been maintained with updates to each chapter and with the addition of new topics. The book is written for the pediatric neurologist, whether in training or with several years of experience. It can also provide support to the general pediatrician who wants to obtain a quick overview of neurological topics.

In this book, each chapter is introduced with a short text summary of the “key messages,” highlighting “common errors” and “when to worry.” This is very helpful, time saving, and reflects the author's personal experience.

The first 13 chapters cover the basics and tools of daily work in pediatric neurology, from neurological examination, neurophysiological methods, cerebral imaging, and genetic studies to pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic principles. A chapter of particular interest in this first part (Chapter 2: “Interprofessional working: user and carer involvement”) deals with interprofessional collaboration in the care of neurologically ill children and adolescents. Here, different concepts related to disability and holistic and family-oriented approaches to it are shown. Another noteworthy and important chapter in this first part is Chapter 4, “Promoting child development.” This chapter emphasizes the importance of external factors, such as the family constellation, economic factors, and education, all of which influence child development.

The second part in Chapters 14 to 29 covers symptom-oriented topics in neuropediatrics, including seizures in neonates, childhood and adolescence, birth asphyxia, movement disorder, cerebral palsy, nonepileptic paroxysmal events, and macrocephaly. New or completely revised chapters in this second edition cover microcephaly, floppy infant, stroke, inherited metabolic encephalopathies of infancy, and sleep disorders. The same concept is followed in all the chapters. After providing an overview of the main statements, the topic is explained step by step in a symptom-oriented way in precise and easy-to-read language. New and current topics are included. For example, the chapter “The floppy infant” provides brief information about Spinraza and Zolgensma in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. In the chapter on post-neonatal epileptic seizures, the reader receives an update on the current classification of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and good guidance on the clinical approach for a child with a first epileptic seizure. The various childhood epilepsy syndromes are only briefly mentioned, and epilepsy surgery options are only addressed in a few sentences. However, this is not a negative point; the concept of the book is to provide basic knowledge on the main topics and symptoms in child neurology. For detailed knowledge, one must consult more extensive literature or refer to more comprehensive textbooks.

Overall, the second edition of Principles and Practice of Child Neurology in Infancy is an excellent book for a broad readership with an interest in the field of child neurology. The symptom-oriented approach, clear language, well-thought-out didactic concept, and the personal touch and practical knowledge of the renowned authors are convincing. In addition, the European Pediatric Neurology Society (EPNS), together with Mac Keith Press, offers an online course based on this book, which is already available.

I congratulate Colin Kennedy and his authors for this excellent book, which effectively reflects the latest developments in the field of child neurology.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 August 2021