Pediatric Neurology

What is pediatric neurology?

This is a subspecialty of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the nervous system in infants, children and adolescents. This includes the brain, spine, and spinal cord.

Who is a pediatric neurologist?

This is a medical doctor who has special training in treating disorders involving the nervous system in infants, children, and adolescents.

Training

Pediatric neurologists have completed 4 years of medical school, at least 1 year of residency in pediatrics and at least 3 years of residency in adult and pediatric neurology.

Why see a pediatric neurologist?

Pediatric neurologists have the special training that allows them to deal with pediatric patients and provide them with the best care possible. They have great knowledge and understanding of pediatric nervous system disorders.

They collaborate with other doctors and professionals to ensure that the overall care is comprehensive. These include dieticians, primary care physician, speech therapists and other pediatric specialists.

Conditions treated

Seizure disorders such as febrile convulsions, seizures in newborns and epilepsyWeakness including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and nerve-muscle disordersBehavioral disorders such as attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and sleep problemsDevelopmental disorders such as developmental delay, delayed speech, motor milestones, and coordination issuesMedical aspects of brain tumors and head injuriesBrain injuries including concussionsHeadaches, including migrainesHydrocephalusCerebral palsyNeurogenetic disordersStrokeNeurofibromatosis

Tests and procedures performed include:

Electroencephalogram (EEG): This is a noninvasive and pain-free test which measures brain signals using special sensors attached to the head. This test determines the cause of seizures as well as pinpoints various neurological conditions.Electromyography (EMG): This test assesses the health f the nerves controlling the muscles and the muscles. A needle is inserted into the muscle and electrical activity when nerves are stimulated is observed. The electrical activity is displayed on an oscilloscope. This test assists the doctor to differentiate primary muscle conditions from muscle weakness due to neurological disorders.Nerve conduction velocity test: This test is usually performed in conjunction with an EMG to evaluate the speed of conduction of impulses through a nerve. Electrodes are placed on the skin to stimulate the nerves with mild electrical impulses. This test is used to diagnose and evaluate nerve destruction and damage.Evoked potential tests: These tests gauge the transmission of electrical signals within the spinal cord and brain. It is used to diagnose conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Lumbar puncture: This test measures the intercranial pressure. The test can also be sued to remove cerebrospinal fluid for further laboratory testing. A small needle is inserted between the lumbar vertebrae and pressure measurements are taken or cerebrospinal fluid is removed. The test is used to determine if a headache and vision problems are due to increased pressure.Sleep tests: Sleep studies record your child’s physical state at various stages of wakefulness and sleep. A sleep test is also referred t as a polysomnogram. It provides information that is useful in diagnosing sleep problems.Radiology tests: These are tests that produce images of the inside of the body. They are also called imaging tests. They use various energy forms which are passed through the body to produce the images.