Clinical practices to be avoided in pediatric neurology: AAP

The pediatric neurosurgery Choosing Wisely topics were chosen after discussion among the Section on Neurological Surgery (SONS) Executive Committee members regarding the most common pediatric neurosurgery issues and treatments general pediatricians see in their practices. Various expert committees and sections of the AAP reviewed and approved the list. The AAP Executive Committee then granted final approval of the list.

Among them, the key highlights are-

• Do not routinely perform imaging to evaluate infant head shape, as it unnecessarily exposes the child to radiation. Additionally, positional plagiocephaly and most craniosynostosis cases can be detected via clinical examination. "Most craniosynostosis presentations can also be discerned on clinical examination. Imaging may be obtained by specialists to make the diagnosis in complex cases and, if necessary, for surgical planning." The team opined.
• Do not routinely perform imaging or elective procedures that call for sedation in very young children with low-risk asymptomatic lesions (for example, small rubbery scalp masses that represent dermoid cysts).