• To enhance your understanding of the central nervous system, its embryological development, anatomical features and pathophysiology
• To strengthen your knowledge of the aspects of neurological assessment in infants and children
• To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)
• To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)
This article is the fourth in a series on the biological basis of child health. It explains the embryological development of the nervous system and describes some of the anatomical and physiological features of the central nervous system, which is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. It also outlines the principles of neurological assessment in infants and children, before detailing the presentation and management of three conditions that can affect the central nervous system in this patient population – seizures, meningitis and raised intracranial pressure.
Nursing Children and Young People. doi: 10.7748/ncyp.2020.e1249
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to open peer review and has been checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Crawford D (2020) Biological basis of child health 4: an overview of the central nervous system and principles of neurological assessment. Nursing Children and Young People. doi: 10.7748/ncyp.2020.e1249
Published online: 22 June 2020
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