This edition of the book ‘Essentials of Pediatric Neurology’, the first edition of which was published in 1997 with the objective of highlighting the basics of diagnosis and treatment of common and important neurological disorders in pediatric age group in India and also to make pediatric neurology a subject of interest amongst Indian physicians, is an attempt to continue with the same goal. Large number of children in our country are victims of neurological disorders many of which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Many children suffering from such disorders are afflicted with a variety of disabilities and handicaps, often life-long.
Advancement in Pediatric Neurology has been tremendous in recent years. The chapters in this edition of the book have been updated to accommodate the current knowledge in diagnosis and management of the of the common and important neurological disorders. Few earlier chapters have been deleted while several new chapters have been added. Special emphasis has been given to the topics of clinical evaluation, congenital malformations, neurodevelopmental disorders, neurobehavioural problems, seizures and epilepsies, important encephalopathies, CNS infections, neuromuscular disorders and neurodegenerative disorders, so common and often problematic in our country. The primary objective of the book however remains same as before – a comprehensive and clinically oriented approach to the common neurological disorders in pediatric age group in our country. Despite a comprehensive approach, there is no compromise however in addressing the basics and fundamentals, relevant investigative tools and techniques currently in vogue and also recent advances.
The contributing authors, faculty in different institutions across India having expertise and also research contribution in the field of pediatric neurology, took out their valuable time for writing the chapters. The editor expresses heartfelt thanks to all the authors.
The editor expresses his thanks to Dr. Vinod Puri, former Director-Professor and Head, Department of Neurology, GB Pant Hospital (GIPMER), New Delhi for the valuable assistance rendered by him. The editor is also thankful to Dr. Devendra Mishra, Professor, Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, for his valuable assistance.