Blog

Helping your child understand puberty

We all remember the changes — and awkwardness — of puberty. But helping your child navigate puberty is a whole different matter. For answers, we turned to Boston Children’s Primary Care Alliance physician Caitlyn Hark, MD, at Framingham Pediatrics, and Frances Grimstad, MD, a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist in the Division of Gynecology at Boston ... Read More

New research sheds light on the genetic roots of amblyopia

For decades, amblyopia has been considered a disorder primarily caused by abnormal visual experiences early in life. But new research from Mary Whitman, MD, PhD, pediatric ophthalmologist in the Department of Ophthalmology at Boston Children’s Hospital, and her colleagues suggests the story is more complicated. “There may be underlying neurodevelopmental differences in children with amblyopia ... Read More

Parsing the promise of inosine for neurogenic bladder

Spinal cord damage — whether from traumatic injury or conditions such as spina bifida — can have a profound impact on bladder function. This can result in neurogenic bladder, a problem in which damage to the nerves involved in urination leads to a loss of bladder control. Neurogenic bladder is currently managed with medication, Botox ... Read More

Team spirit: How working with an allergy psychologist got Amber back to cheering

A bubbly high schooler with lots of friends and a passion for competitive cheerleading: On the surface, Amber’s life looks perfect. She even knows what she wants to be when she’s older — a cosmetologist, because she wants to help people feel their best through beauty. Her determination to help others is what drove her ... Read More

Ask a sports medicine specialist: Why are ACL tears so common among female athletes?

When an athlete is sprinting after an opponent who suddenly stops or changes direction, their anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) make it possible for them to continue their pursuit. This much talked-about ligament is the reason athletes can pivot, cut, jump, and land. “The ACL is one of the main stabilizing ligaments in the knee,” explains ... Read More

“Princess June” reigns supreme over Rasmussen syndrome

What do you call a “girly” 5-year-old who adores dolls and frilly nightgowns? If you’re one of June Pelletier’s nurses at Boston Children’s Hospital, the answer is “Princess June,” of course. While Her Highness would much prefer to reign over her parents and three siblings at home in Connecticut, she’s no stranger to the hospital. ... Read More

Forging a path back to school after orthopedic trauma

Orthopedic trauma can force children to miss school, sometimes for an extended period. But even when patients have regained enough mobility to return to school, their schools aren’t always equipped to welcome them back. “Trauma is different from many other orthopedic conditions because it’s so unexpected,” says Kristin Livingston, MD, director of the Orthopedic Trauma ... Read More

New genetic insights could change how we treat, and talk about, polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has long been viewed as a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. However, ongoing research led by Jia Zhu, MD, attending physician in the Division of Endocrinology, and her colleagues is changing that. Their most recent findings indicate that PCOS is part of a broader metabolic and reproductive disorder that ... Read More

Which pain medication is right for your child? What a pediatrician wants parents to know

There’s no shortage of safe and effective pain medications for children. Acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) are the most common over-the-counter options, but how do you know which one is best to use when? “Each pain medication has its own benefits and risks,” says Dr. Susan Harp, a ... Read More

Navigating school with a neuroimmune condition

Fifteen-year-old Sarah had been challenging her dad to card games all week — and on Saturday, she finally beat him. It might seem like just good-natured competition to most people. But for Sarah, it was a much greater accomplishment: The teenager was coping with the lasting cognitive effects of autoimmune encephalitis and had struggled with ... Read More

Thanks to Carter and his family, people are talking about spastic paraplegia

Nine-year-old Carter may be the most devoted — and popular — sports fan in his Connecticut town. “He loves all sports,” says his mother, Natalie. Whenever one of Carter’s buddies has a game, Natalie’s phone lights up with texts asking if he can attend. As his friends play, Carter cheers and gives high fives from his ... Read More