Inflammatory disorders of the nervous system, although individually uncommon, collectively make up 10-20% of acute paediatric neurology presentations and many are potentially treatable. Research into them is lagging behind adult research, but better diagnosis and often simple treatments could lead to substantial clinical benefit and reduction in long-term disability. This book provides a detailed and comprehensive summary of the childhood diseases that are, or are likely to be, caused by the immune system. The authors not only describe these disorders and their treatments comprehensively, helping pediatricians and pediatric neurologists to improve their understanding and recognition of the conditions, but also highlight recent and exciting developments that will be of considerable importance in the future.

This new edition is comprehensively updated whilst retaining both the popular problem-solving approach and its familiar organisation and style. Notable advances receive careful coverage, from molecular genetics and imaging technology to 'new' diseases and important treatmen developments.

Although multiple sclerosis and other disorders of myelin formation and repair are most commonly associated with adults, they can also occur in infants, children and adolescents. Up to 5 percent of those with MS experience symptoms before the age of 18, and the number of cases diagnosed is rising. There is a lack of awareness about these diseases in childhood, however, even amongst pediatric neurologists and MS specialists. Demyelinating Disorders of the Central Nervous System in Childhood provides comprehensive coverage of these diseases, highlighting throughout the differences between management in childhood and in adults. With sections dedicated to the diagnosis, course, treatment and biology of pediatric MS, detailed chapters on other childhood demyelinating diseases, including acute disseminated encephomyelitis, optic neuritis, acute complete transverse myelitis and neuromyelitis optica, are also provided. Essential reading for pediatric neurologists and MS specialists, this book will also be valuable reading for adult neurologists and pediatricians.

Immunopathogenesis has recently been receiving increased interest from researchers, leading to a better understanding of the mechanisms of neurological disorders and consequently to new diagnostic approaches and therapeutic perspectives. Clinical neuroimmunology in childhood is the focus of the present volume. This book is divided into three sections. The first part deals with the relationship between the immune and the nervous systems, from antigen presentation to autoimmunity and its role in neurological disease. In the second part, the nosography of immune-mediated neurological diseases in children is described, including those primarily involving the central nervous system and those secondary to systemic immunological disorders. The last part of the book is devoted to diagnostic and therapeutic criteria.