Examining the Difficult Child

Abstract

Children are generally more difficult to examine when compared to adults. As well, physicians are usually judged by parents according to their skills in examining their children. Difficult and poorly cooperative children remain the most challenging group to examine accurately and completely. The physician becomes less confident and the neurological signs questionable if the child was uncooperative. Certainly, repeated examinations and experience play an important role; however, solid knowledge, strong communication skills, accurate observation skills, and use of proper techniques are crucial for eliciting and interpreting neurological signs in difficult children. In this chapter, I present some practical tips and skills that can be utilized to improve the likelihood of obtaining accurate information about the neurological status of young and difficult children.