Blog | Page 7 of 159 | Boston Children's Answers

A world of difference: Why Noah traveled from Florida for multiple sclerosis care

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Jessica Cerretani | Patient Stories

Tags: autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, neuroimmunology

When Noah started having headaches four years ago, his mom, Jonda, initially wondered if it was a classic kid ruse. “I thought maybe he was trying to get out of doing chores,” she remembers. But when the headaches got worse and even his eyes hurt, she brought him to their local emergency room in Florida. ... Read More

Tagged: autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, neuroimmunology

Hope in sight for autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA)

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Katie Paradis | Research, Therapeutics/Diagnostics/Devices

Tags: blindness, research

Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA), the most common genetic optic neuropathy, is an insidious disease. It often presents slowly during childhood by way of blurry vision, trouble reading or focusing, and sometimes only as a failed vision test. But behind these subtle signs lies progressive, irreversible vision loss in both eyes caused by deterioration of ... Read More

Tagged: blindness, research

The dopamine reset: Restoring what’s missing in AADC deficiency

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Katie Paradis | Research, Therapeutics/Diagnostics/Devices

Tags: gene therapy, neurology, research, seizures

In March 2023, a young girl came to Boston Children’s Hospital unable to hold up her head — one striking symptom of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. This rare neurological disorder prevents the brain from producing dopamine and serotonin — essential chemicals for controlling movement, mood, and basic body functions. Without them, children experience ... Read More

Tagged: gene therapy, neurology, research, seizures

An unbreakable bond: Brothers turn medical complexities into superpowers

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Jessica Cerretani | Patient Stories

Tags: prematurity

“Look! Is that one JetBlue? I think that one’s Delta!” Running through the grass, climbing on the jungle gym, and watching planes take off and land at nearby Logan Airport: Castle Island in South Boston is Patrick and Teddy’s happy place. The brothers, ages 4 and 3 respectively, are almost as obsessed with airplanes as ... Read More

Tagged: prematurity

New research sheds light on the genetic roots of amblyopia

Posted on June 26, 2025 by Linsey Covino-Deaso | Research

Tags: amblyopia, genetics and genomics, ophthalmology

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

Tagged: amblyopia, genetics and genomics, ophthalmology

Parsing the promise of inosine for neurogenic bladder

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Jessica Cerretani | Research

Tags: research, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, urology

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

Tagged: research, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, urology

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

Posted on June 24, 2025 by Veronica Giarla | Patient Stories

Tags: allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroenterology, psychiatry

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

Tagged: allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroenterology, psychiatry

Help your child manage anxiety about school violence

Posted on June 24, 2025 by Albert McKeon | Health and Parenting

Tags: grief, mental health, safety

With news of school shootings and other violence often reaching children, parents sometimes grapple with how to help their child cope with fear and stress. We asked Erica Lee, PhD, a psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Boston Children’s, to offer suggestions on how you can ensure your child feels safe and comfortable going to ... Read More

Tagged: grief, mental health, safety

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

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Joanne Barker | Health and Parenting

Tags: acl, female athletes, injury prevention, orthopedics, sports behavioral health, sports injury, sports medicine

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

Tagged: acl, female athletes, injury prevention, orthopedics, sports behavioral health, sports injury, sports medicine

“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