Blog | Page 6 of 158 | Boston Children's Answers

“Princess June” reigns supreme over Rasmussen syndrome

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Jessica Cerretani | Patient Stories

Tags: epilepsy, neuroimmunology, neuroinflammation, seizures

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

Tagged: epilepsy, neuroimmunology, neuroinflammation, seizures

Forging a path back to school after orthopedic trauma

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Joanne Barker | Research

Tags: orthopedics

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

Tagged: orthopedics

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

Posted on May 27, 2025 by Linsey Covino-Deaso | Basic/Translational, Research

Tags: diabetes, endocrinology, metabolism, obesity

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

Tagged: diabetes, endocrinology, metabolism, obesity

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

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Katie Paradis | Health and Parenting

Tags: headaches, pain, primary care alliance, safety, well child care

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

Tagged: headaches, pain, primary care alliance, safety, well child care

Navigating school with a neuroimmune condition

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Jessica Cerretani | Health and Parenting

Tags: autoimmune disease, neuroimmunology, neuroinflammation

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

Tagged: autoimmune disease, neuroimmunology, neuroinflammation

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

Posted on May 20, 2025 by Joanne Barker | Patient Stories

Tags: cerebral palsy, complex care, gastroenterology, genetics and genomics, rare disease

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

Tagged: cerebral palsy, complex care, gastroenterology, genetics and genomics, rare disease

Knowing what life is worth: I am an adult heart patient and much more

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Stephan Stansfield | Patient Stories

Tags: arrhythmia, bach, cardiac catheterization, cardiology, heart, heart center, heart patient, tetralogy of fallot

Most of the children showed off a favorite toy. Some brought items that were meaningful to their family or culture. When I got to the front of my kindergarten class, my hands were empty. “My show-and-tell is…me,” I exclaimed as I pulled up my shirt and bared my chest to an audience of shocked five-year-olds ... Read More

Tagged: arrhythmia, bach, cardiac catheterization, cardiology, heart, heart center, heart patient, tetralogy of fallot

“A setback for a comeback”: Brody perseveres with Paget-Schroetter Syndrome

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Linsey Covino-Deaso | Patient Stories

Tags: hematology, oncology

Baseball has been part of Brody Walsh’s story from the very start. Now 19 and a college sophomore, Brody pitches for the Thomas College Terriers baseball team. But his path to this point has not been easy, to say the least: Just two years ago, a serious medical condition threatened his pitching career. Faced with ... Read More

Tagged: hematology, oncology

Five things to know before getting an online second opinion for your child

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Jessica Cerretani | Health and Parenting

Tags: digital health, second opinion

Whether you want to confirm your child’s diagnosis or treatment plan, another set of expert eyes can give you confidence that they’re receiving the best care. At Boston Children’s Hospital, the process is simple: Although in-person second opinions are also an option, you can request an online second opinion from the comfort of your home ... Read More

Tagged: digital health, second opinion

“Observe. Be open.”: How Boston Children’s nurses are changing the future of global health

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Linsey Covino-Deaso | Clinical Care

Tags: global health, nicu, nursing

Ashley Birch, MSN, CPNP, a Boston Children’s pediatric nurse practitioner and Global Nursing fellow, didn’t expect a trash bag to become a critical tool in her global health toolkit. In a hospital in Uganda, caring for a baby with spina bifida, Ashley improvised and created a protective covering over a wound using what she thought ... Read More

Tagged: global health, nicu, nursing