Neuropediatric rehabilitation for psychogenic gait disorders in children and adolescents

Abstract

Psychogenic gait disorders in children and adolescents represent a unique neuropediatric and rehabilitative challenge. The inability to walk frequently strikes abruptly. Triggers are not easily identifiable. Patients are commonly admitted to the hospital in an emergency. In view of the dramatic clinical picture, parents are perturbed. They expect rapid diagnostic clarification and therapy. If physical, laboratory, and X-ray examinations do not disclose any significant pathological findings, parents generally insist on consulting diverse specialists and clinics. The pivotal point of the course of treatment is the parent–doctor–patient relationship. This is notably true when child psychologists or psychiatrists have to be consulted. Typical risks and decision conflicts of the rehabilitation dynamics are described – these are augmented by several case vignettes.