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Episodic coma in a new leukodystrophy.

Alberto J Espay·John B Bodensteiner·Hema Patel
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Abstract

Among the leukodystrophies of a hypomyelinating nature, childhood ataxia with diffuse central nervous system hypomyelination exhibits the unique feature of rapid decrease in mental status after relatively minor head injuries or otherwise noncomplicated febrile illnesses. This article reports the case of a child with progressive spastic quadriparesis in whom unconsciousness developed repeatedly as a result of minor head trauma and required prolonged critical-care nursing. Although cognition is believed to be relatively preserved in this disorder, this child developed progressive cognitive decline. A detailed review of the literature is presented along with discussion of the potential mechanisms of neurologic deterioration.

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Aspartic AcidAtaxiaBrainChildCholineComaCreatineDemyelinating DiseasesEpilepsy, Post-TraumaticHead Injuries, ClosedHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingMagnetic Resonance SpectroscopyMaleMuscle SpasticityNeurologic ExaminationQuadriplegiaCase ReportsJournal Article

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Alberto J Espay, John B Bodensteiner, Hema Patel. 2002. Episodic coma in a new leukodystrophy.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0887-8994(01)00356-3

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