This compilation arises from contributions made to the seventh postgraduate course in paediatric neurology held in Pavia, Italy under the auspices of the Mariani Foundation in co-operation with the National Neurologic Institute of Milan. The course concentrated on three main areas: the impact of molecular biology and molecular genetics on aetiology, advances in our understanding pathogenesis, and finally therapy. The choice of the subject was suggested by the remarkable progress has been made in this field during the last decade, mostly due to the recent advances in genetics which now enable a new nosographic approach as well as different diagnostic strategies. Part of this work is dedicated to the rehabilitation of patients affected by neuromuscular diseases.

The advances of basic sciences combined with the perspectives of developmental neurology have recently modified the traditional outlook on the evolution of motor behavior. The maturation of neuro-anatomic structures is studied nowadays as just one facet of a complex process: the various elements of innate global patterns, the acquisition of antigravitary schemes as well as manipulative and praxic skills, control of posture and gait, ocular motility and motricity, converge to create the present picture of a continuous adaptive interaction between the child's genotype and its environment. This book stimulates the debate and the exchange of concepts between researchers and clinical specialists.