Final answer:
In cases of acute focal neurologic deficits in children, conditions such as stroke, encephalitis, epilepsy, and migraines must be considered. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain often caused by viruses, and strokes are due to the disruption of blood flow to the brain.
Correct option is B
Step-by-step explanation:
In a child presenting with acute focal neurologic deficit, stroke, encephalitis, epilepsy, and migraine should all be considered as potential diagnoses. Encephalitis is a serious condition where the brain becomes inflamed due to an infection, often viral, and can lead to symptoms such as fever, headache, seizures, as well as neurologic deficits. The inflammation from the immune system's response to the infection can cause swelling within the brain, which can be life-threatening. A stroke, on the other hand, is caused by a disruption of blood to the brain, leading to the death of brain tissue and resulting in neurologic deficits. Both conditions require immediate medical attention and can present with similar signs like weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech.
Meningitis, which is an infection of the CSF and the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can also present with neurologic signs, however, it is more typically associated with symptoms like stiff neck, fever, and light sensitivity. It's important to distinguish these conditions during diagnosis because the treatments vary significantly. Meningitis may be caused by various pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while encephalitis is most often viral. Conditions such as neurocysticercosis, neurotoxoplasmosis, and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis are examples of infections that can lead to neurologic symptoms.
Lastly, conditions like epilepsy and migraines are also important to consider. Epilepsy can present with focal neurological deficits due to seizure activity, and migraines might be associated with temporary neurological symptoms and visual disturbances known as aura.