NPTE Peds diagnoses

Cerebral Palsy (CP) - Key signs & symptoms

Non-progressive brain lesion; abnormal tone (spastic, athetoid, ataxic, hypotonic); delayed milestones; persistence of primitive reflexes; scissoring gait; contractures

Cerebral Palsy (CP) - Assessment focus (PTA)

Assess tone (Modified Ashworth), reflex integration, balance, gross motor milestones, ROM, postural control

Cerebral Palsy (CP) - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Functional mobility, postural control, balance; stretch spastic muscles; Rood/NDT/PNF; avoid fatigue; caregiver education

Spina Bifida (Myelomeningocele) - Key signs & symptoms

Neural tube defect; flaccid or spastic paralysis below lesion; sensory loss; bowel/bladder dysfunction; hydrocephalus (shunt); scoliosis

Spina Bifida (Myelomeningocele) - Assessment focus (PTA)

Lesion level, strength, sensation, ROM, skin integrity, shunt function, orthotic needs

Spina Bifida (Myelomeningocele) - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Prevent contractures; protect insensate skin; promote independence; educate on skin care and shunt infection signs

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) - Key signs & symptoms

Hypotonia; ligamentous laxity (atlantoaxial instability); delayed motor milestones; cognitive delay; flat facial profile

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) - Assessment focus (PTA)

Tone, balance, postural control, joint integrity (cervical spine), gross motor development

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Facilitation and strengthening; emphasize balance and endurance; avoid cervical flexion/traction

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - Key signs & symptoms

Progressive proximal weakness (pelvic -> shoulder girdle); Gower's sign; calf pseudohypertrophy; loss of ambulation ~10-12 yrs; cardiopulmonary compromise

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - Assessment focus (PTA)

Strength, ROM, posture, respiratory status, functional mobility

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Gentle stretching; submaximal strengthening; energy conservation; orthoses; respiratory exercises; avoid overexertion

Congenital Muscular Torticollis - Key signs & symptoms

Head tilt toward affected SCM with rotation to opposite side; limited cervical ROM

Congenital Muscular Torticollis - Assessment focus (PTA)

Cervical ROM, muscle length, posture, symmetry

Congenital Muscular Torticollis - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Gentle stretching; positioning; tummy time; caregiver instruction

Brachial Plexus Injury (Erb's/Klumpke's) - Key signs & symptoms

Erb's (C5-C6) "waiter's tip"; Klumpke's (C8-T1) "claw hand"; UE weakness/paralysis; sensory deficits

Brachial Plexus Injury (Erb's/Klumpke's) - Assessment focus (PTA)

Strength, tone, sensation, reflexes, posture

Brachial Plexus Injury (Erb's/Klumpke's) - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

PROM; gentle stretching; active facilitation; positioning; limb protection

Osteogenesis Imperfecta - Key signs & symptoms

Brittle bones; frequent fractures; short stature; blue sclerae; joint laxity

Osteogenesis Imperfecta - Assessment focus (PTA)

ROM, strength, posture, developmental milestones (handle carefully)

Osteogenesis Imperfecta - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Gentle handling; avoid forceful stretching/resistance; aquatic therapy; safe strengthening; promote function

Developmental (Global) Delay - Key signs & symptoms

Delayed motor/speech/cognitive milestones; hypotonia; poor coordination

Developmental (Global) Delay - Assessment focus (PTA)

Gross/fine motor skills, tone, reflexes, milestones

Developmental (Global) Delay - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Motor learning through play; sensory stimulation; caregiver education

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) - Key signs & symptoms

Progressive LMN disease; hypotonia; weakness; areflexia; normal sensation; poor head control; respiratory involvement

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) - Assessment focus (PTA)

Tone, strength, respiratory status, function

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Positioning; respiratory exercises; gentle strengthening; adaptive equipment; energy conservation

Hydrocephalus (± shunt) - Key signs & symptoms

Enlarged head; bulging fontanel; irritability; vomiting; downward "sunset" gaze

Hydrocephalus (± shunt) - Assessment focus (PTA)

Monitor shunt function, vitals, head circumference, signs of ↑ICP

Hydrocephalus (± shunt) - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Avoid head-down positions if shunt malfunction suspected; report red flags; gentle developmental activities

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita - Key signs & symptoms

Multiple joint contractures; muscle weakness; limited ROM; non-progressive

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita - Assessment focus (PTA)

Joint mobility, strength, function

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Stretching; splinting; functional mobility; adaptive equipment

Cystic Fibrosis (pediatric) - Key signs & symptoms

Thick mucus; chronic cough; recurrent infections; digital clubbing; poor weight gain

Cystic Fibrosis (pediatric) - Assessment focus (PTA)

Airway clearance needs; postural drainage tolerance; endurance; posture; vitals

Cystic Fibrosis (pediatric) - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Postural drainage; percussion; breathing exercises; aerobic conditioning; infection control

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) - Key signs & symptoms

Joint inflammation; pain; stiffness; limited ROM; possible growth disturbance

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) - Assessment focus (PTA)

Pain, ROM, strength, function

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Gentle AROM/PROM; aquatic therapy; splinting; avoid high-impact; joint protection education

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Key signs & symptoms

Impaired social interaction; repetitive behaviors; poor motor planning; sensory sensitivities

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Assessment focus (PTA)

Sensory integration; coordination; balance; communication

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Structured routines; sensory-friendly environment; task breakdown; visual cues

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease - Key signs & symptoms

Avascular necrosis of femoral head; limp; hip pain; ↓ abduction/IR

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease - Assessment focus (PTA)

Gait; hip ROM; pain; function

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease - Treatment/Intervention (PTA)

Maintain ROM; reduce WB stress; bracing; hip strengthening; avoid impact activities