Abstract
InnovAiT is produced on a 3-year cycle. However, many articles do not significantly go out of date in that time. This section of InnovAiT summarises articles from the previous cycle of InnovAiT that GPs and GPs in training might still find useful today.
Chronic cough in children
Professor Helen E Smith and Dr Rohit Aiyer
InnovAiT 2014 8(8): 464–469
DOI:
Chronic cough is one of the most troublesome and common problems presenting to GPs and is defined as cough persisting for more than 8 weeks. Determining the cause can be difficult and diagnostic uncertainty can cause anxiety for all concerned. Cough guidelines and clinical pathways for chronic cough in children are not evidence based, but this article describes individualized, structured assessment aimed at identifying serious causes and also those children in whom simple interventions will aid recovery.
Headaches in children
Dr Mas Ahmed, Dr Sabina Naz and Dr Elizabeth Akinnawo
InnovAiT 2014 8(8): 470–477
DOI:
Headaches are common in children and can present diagnostic challenge for GPs and cause great anxiety to parents. This article provides a strategy to help differentiate common primary headaches, such as migraine and tension-type headaches, from secondary headaches. It outlines primary care management of common headaches and includes important reference to red flags, when referral is appropriate. Persistent headache in a child under the age of 5 years, abnormal neurological signs and headaches that do not improve with treatment are some of the important red flag features.
Funny turns in children
Dr Danielle Peet, Mr George Barrett, Dr Catherine Burkill and Mr James Rainsbury
InnovAiT 2014 8(8): 479–483
DOI:
Funny turns in children are common and caused by a wide variety of usually benign pathologies. This article aims to guide GPs in assessing children presenting with funny turns. Breath-holding attacks, night terrors and migraine can be managed in primary care, but other possible causes, such as epilepsy and cardiac conditions, will need referral for specialist assessment.
Cerebral palsy
Dr Zahra Neshat
InnovAiT 2014 8(8): 484–492
DOI:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive lifelong disorder of postural and motor dysfunction and the most common cause of physical disability in childhood. Background knowledge on the four main types of CP (spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic and mixed types), complications, impairments, prognosis, monitoring and referral guidance usefully inform the lifelong empathic care required from GPs.
Autism in children
Dr Emma L Redshaw and Professor Helen E Smith
InnovAiT 2014 8(8): 493–501
DOI:
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex, lifelong disorders affecting about 1% of school-age children with boys affected four times more frequently than girls. This article focuses on early signs and symptoms, such as regression in social skills or language in children younger than 3 years, that can facilitate timely recognition and referral. GPs can co-ordinate care, particularly at the time of transition from paediatric to adult services.
Children living with chronic disability
Dr Chantal Simon and Natalie McNicholas
InnovAiT 2014 8(8): 502–508
DOI:
About 7% of children in the UK have some sort of chronic disability. This article is co-written by a GP and Natalie, mother of Malachy. Malachy has intellectual and physical disabilities. Informed by the experience of Natalie and Malachy, the article explores how to support children with chronic disability in the community.