Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common issue in the pediatric population. The concept and our understanding of functional neurological disorders have changed over the past years, and new etiologic models and treatment plans have been explored. Knowledge about FND in the pediatric population, however, is lacking. The aim of this review is to provide an update on pediatric functional neurological disorder. We conducted a literature search of PubMed and SCOPUS databases and reviewed a total of 85 articles to gain insight into the current understanding of FND etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in children and adolescents. Functional and high resolution MRI revealed abnormal connectivity and structural changes in patients with functional symptoms. The diagnostic criteria no longer require the presence of a psychological factor and instead focus on a rule-in diagnosis. Treatment of FND includes a clear communication of the diagnosis and the support of a multidisciplinary team. Although FND typically has a poor prognosis, better outcomes appear to have been achieved in children and young adults. We conclude that pediatric functional neurological disorder is a prevalent pathology and that this patient population has additional specific needs compared to the adult population.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) represents a chronic immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that generally debuts around the age of 20–30 years. Still, in recent years, MS has been increasingly recognized among the pediatric population, being characterized by several peculiar features compared to adult-onset disease. Unfortunately, the etiology and disease mechanisms are poorly understood, rendering the already limited MS treatment options with uncertain efficacy and safety in pediatric patients. Thus, this review aims to shed some light on the progress in MS therapeutic strategies specifically addressed to children and adolescents. In this regard, the present paper briefly discusses the etiology, risk factors, comorbidities, and diagnosis possibilities for pediatric-onset MS (POMS), further moving to a detailed presentation of current treatment strategies, recent clinical trials, and emerging alternatives. Particularly, promising care solutions are indicated, including new treatment formulations, stem cell therapies, and cognitive training methods.

Progress in the field of muscular dystrophy (MD) using a multidisciplinary approach based on international standards of care has led to a significant increase in the life expectancy of patients. The challenge of transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare has been acknowledged for over a decade, yet it continues to be a last-minute concern. Currently, there is no established consensus on how to evaluate the effectiveness of the transition process. Our study aimed to identify how well patients are prepared for the transition and to determine their needs. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study on 15 patients aged 14 to 21 years. The patients completed a sociodemographic and a Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ). We also analyzed the comorbidities of these patients. Our study revealed that only 46.7% of the patients had engaged in a conversation with a medical professional, namely, a child neurologist, about transitioning. A total of 60% of the participants expressed having confidence in their self-care ability. However, the median TRAQ score of 3.6 shows that these patients overestimate themselves. We emphasize the necessity for a slow, personalized transition led by a multidisciplinary team to ensure the continuity of state-of-the-art care from pediatric to adult healthcare services and the achievement of the highest possible quality of life for these patients.

Background and Clinical Significance: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by the presence of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies and a high relapse rate. We provide information about the diagnosis, unusual symptoms, and treatment of a paediatric patient with NMOSD. Case Presentation: A 14-year-old girl was hospitalized for weakness and paraesthesia of the lower limbs (LL). The patient underwent detailed investigations and was diagnosed with NMOSD and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. Initial treatment with methylprednisolone and prednisone yielded a favourable response. Therapy with mycophenolate was initiated. However, the patient experienced two more relapses, prompting the use of rituximab therapy with a favourable outcome and a two-year relapse-free follow-up period. Conclusions: Patients with NMOSD may have multisystemic inflammation, including organs outside the central nervous system. Our case report highlights a case of NMOSD, pulmonary involvement, and unusual adverse reactions to rituximab.

Treating neurological disorders in children is particularly challenging due to the dynamic maturation of the developing brain, age-dependent pharmacokinetics, and evolving structural and functional properties of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). This review explores the latest advances in drug-delivery systems tailored for pediatric neurology, emphasizing strategies to address physiological and developmental determinants of treatment response across infancy, childhood, and adolescence. The paper begins by outlining the distinct challenges of drug delivery in children, focusing on BBB maturation, transporter expression, metabolic capacity, and neurodevelopmental vulnerability. Emerging delivery systems, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, gold nanoparticles, and gene- and RNA-based vectors, are further reviewed in relation to major pediatric neurological conditions. These platforms demonstrate promise in enhancing drug bioavailability, targeting specific brain regions, and minimizing systemic toxicity. This paper also covers important safety, regulatory, and ethical considerations in pediatric populations, with a focus on the need for age-appropriate design and thorough clinical validation. Concluding with emerging trends and future directions, this work serves as a comprehensive resource for advancing pediatric neurological therapeutics through state-of-the-art drug delivery technologies.