Case Study 3:

Molly is a 12-year-old who comes to your office after hitting her head on the ground during a soccer game. Her mother reports that she did not lose consciousness, but that she seems “loopy” and doesn’t remember what happened immediately following her fall. She was injured when she collided with another player and fell backward, striking her head on the ground. She has no vomiting and denies diplopia but complains of significant headache. Physical examination is negative except for the presence of slight nystagmus. All other neurologic findings including fundoscopic examination are normal.

To prepare:

•Review “Neurologic Disorders” and “Musculoskeletal Disorders” in the Burns et al. text.

•Consider a differential diagnosis for the patient in the case study you selected. Think about the most likely diagnosis for the patient.

•Think about a treatment and management plan for the patient. Be sure to consider appropriate dosages for any recommended pharmacologic and/or non-pharmacologic treatments.

•Consider strategies for educating patients and families on the treatment and management of the musculoskeletal or neurologic disorder.

Post I to 2 pages on :

1) An explanation of the differential diagnosis for the patient in the case study you selected.

2) Explain which is the most likely diagnosis for the patient and why.

3) Include an explanation of unique characteristics of the disorder you identified as the primary diagnosis. Then, explain a treatment and management plan for the patient, including appropriate dosages for any recommended treatments.

4) Finally, explain strategies for educating patients and families on the treatment and management of the musculoskeletal or neurologic disorder.

References

Readings

•Burns, C. E., Dunn, A. M., Brady, M. A., Starr, N. B., & Blosser, C. G. (2013). Pediatric primary care (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.

◦Chapter 27, “Neurologic Disorders” (pp. 585–621)

◦Chapter 37, “Musculoskeletal Disorders” (pp. 622–651)

•Marsh, A.M., Fraser, D., Marsh, J.P., Serota, J.A., Giordano, B., & Hallas, D. (2013). Management of concussion in the pediatric patient. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 27(6), 499-504.

American Academy of Pediatrics, Subcommittee on Febrile Seizures. (2011). Febrile seizures: Guideline for the neurodiagnostic evaluation of the child with a simple febrile seizure. Pediatrics, 127(2), 389–394