Palliative Care in Child Neurology: The more you look, the less you see

Abstract

Palliative care (PC) is holistic care of a child with a severe illness and his/her family which should begin soon after the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness is made. Communication forms the cornerstone of PC which begins with breaking the bad news in the right manner, continues in discussion with the family about their choices and expectations through life, and culminating in end-of-life and bereavement care. Raising awareness and develop- ing PC services will eventually lead to a reduced burden on health-care systems, higher satisfaction rates and better quality of life for the children and their families.