Neuromuscular Emergencies

Infants and children are frequently brought to the emergency department in the setting of profound weakness. It is imperative to determine the etiology of this type of presentation to treat the child effectively. Neuromuscular disorders must be considered. This article explores 4 such diseases, including the Guillain-Barré syndrome, tick paralysis, botulism, and myasthenia gravis. Distinguishing features of each specific disorder, as well as diagnostic criteria, recommended treatment, and prognosis, are discussed.