Paediatric palliative care in neurology is a specialised, holistic approach for children living with serious, often life-limiting neurological conditions, such as degenerative diseases or severe brain injuries. Its primary focus is improving quality of life and supporting families from the time of diagnosis. This includes managing complex symptoms such as neurological irritability, spasticity, and pain, while promoting shared decision-making, advance care planning, and psychosocial support.
Who We Serve: Children with progressive neurodegenerative diseases, severe cerebral palsy, severe traumatic brain injuries, or epilepsy.
Key Symptoms: Treatment focuses on managing somatic and neuropathic pain, neurological irritability – including inconsolable crying and back arching – spasticity, difficulty swallowing, and seizures.
Communication and Support: Essential aspects of care include facilitating difficult conversations, addressing ethical dilemmas – such as the withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions – and supporting families through grief and bereavement.
Benefits: Early, integrated palliative care can improve quality of life, reduce carer stress, and help families navigate complex care decisions.