A new approach for neurological evaluation of infants in resource-poor settings

Abstract

Research assessing the neurological development of infants in developing countries is scanty as no suitable standardised tests are available for field-use in constrained circumstances. We describe the development and application of two simple assessments. Firstly, we aimed to develop a test suitable for assessing acute neurological disturbances caused by such diverse effects as infections, drugs or toxins. This test (Shoklo Neurological Test) is aimed at infants between 9 and 36 months. The second test (Shoklo Developmental Test) is aimed not only to follow the evolution of the signs tested initially in the acute phase but also to evaluate later neurodevelopmental sequelae which might be cau..