Diagnosis based on one symptom can lead to misdiagnosis
Thorough exams necessary even in absence of hallmark symptoms, writes pediatrician
IN THE NEWS: Relying on the presence or absence of a single symptom to diagnose neurological conditions such as autism or concussion is a concerning trend in pediatrics, writes child neurologist Dr. Sharief Taraman in Psychology Today.
The potential for misdiagnosis and delayed treatment increases when certain hallmark symptoms of neurological and mental health conditions aren’t present and no further examination is done, he writes. Despite popular belief, only about 50% of individuals with autism struggle with eye contact. When evaluated for concussion, 80% of athletes will show dysfunction on an eye movement exam.
“That leaves a significant number of people whose eyes won’t show symptoms of a concussion,” and thus won’t get treatment.
“The absence of such a symptom does not necessarily rule out a condition. Rather, more often than not, further evaluations are needed to make accurate diagnoses.”
Taraman is an associate professor of pediatrics at the UC Irvine School of Medicine and a neurologist at CHOC, with expertise in child neurology. He directs CHOC’s concussion program. Taraman is the author or co-author of several publications on the topics of traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder and the clinical uses of artificial intelligence in pediatrics.