Editorial

Abstract

Electrophysiology has long been the mainstay of the pediatric neurologist, and it still plays a prominent role as a valuable tool in existing and emerging training schemes for pediatric neurology. However, other techniques of investigation are moving more onto center stage with neuroimaging, molecular genetics and neurometabolic techniques of investigation taking on a leading role. This has been reflected both actively by Editorials and Invited Reviews, and in a more passive way by the topics of the scope of papers submitted to Neuropediatrics. Neuroimaging methods are advancing at a fast pace, and MR-spectroscopy applied to neurometabolic disease (Neuropediatrics 2000; 31: 1 - 3) or brain tumors (Neuropediatrics 2000; 31: 159 - 161) is changing from a pure research tool to a valuable diagnostic instrument. Similarly, functional MRI is applicable to the child's brain (Neuropediatrics 2000; 31: 24 - 32 and 63 - 69), and it is not difficult to imagine that with improved spatial resolution and new contrast media MR-techniques will soon replace at least some diagnostic approaches which at present are still invasive. On a similar line, technical improvements such as tandem mass spectroscopy or MR-spectroscopy of body fluids in conjunction with molecular genetic techniques are rapidly expanding the spectrum of neurometabolic disorders, entailing a demand for new and more sophisticated diagnostic algorithms. To adapt existing training schemes to the ever more sophisticated approach to diagnosis and treatment (Neuropediatrics 2000; 31: 1 - 3) will pose a challenge to the field of pediatric neurology. A broad-based, high-level journal will continue to play a key role in this concert of educational efforts, and Neuropediatrics has carefully maintained a high level - ranging top in terms of impact factor among pediatric neurology journals - in the past and present and will strive to do so in the future.