Pediatric Neurologists treat neurological disorders in infants and children. Pediatric neurology is a subspecialty of pediatrics, and requires additional specialized training and often certification.

Child neurologists often diagnose, treat, and manage the following conditions:

• Seizures and epilepsy

• Muscle problems which may cause weakness, such as: muscular dystrophy or neuropathy

• Headaches, including migraines and concussions

• Behavioral disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), tics and Tourette Syndrome, and sleep problems

• Autism

• Developmental disorders, including cerebral palsy, delayed speech, delayed motor milestones, and coordination issues

• Intellectual disability

• Congenital malformations, which are problems in how the brain forms or develops

• Stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Genetic conditions that affect the nervous system

• Autoimmune problems that impact the brain and spinal cord (such as multiple sclerosis)

• Infections or inflammation of the brain (such as meningitis or encephalitis)

• Brain tumors

Child neurologists often make a diagnosis by hearing about your child’s symptoms, their medical history, and physical exam, but at times, more tests are necessary to make a diagnosis.

Common tests that child neurologists order include:

• EEG (electroencephalogram) is a test that looks for problems with the electrical activity in your brain. This test can be used to look for seizures, and to make sure your child’s brain is making the expected types of electrical activity for their age.

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT scan are types of imaging tests used to take pictures of the brain and/or spine. These can look for signs of brain tumor, stroke, infection, multiple sclerosis, certain genetic conditions, and more.

• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is a test where doctors insert a small needle in the lower back to take a sample of spinal fluid, which surrounds your brain and spinal cord. This can help look for signs of infection or inflammation.

• Blood tests may be ordered for your child. These may include basic labs checking for electrolyte changes or signs of infection, or more complicated testing such as genetic tests for specific disorders.

During a visit to a pediatric neurologist, your child will be assessed using several different techniques. For example, the doctor may use a reflex hammer on the knees and elbows to test reflexes. Or he or she may use lights to check nervous system function.

In order to assess your child’s balance, motor skills, mental status, and coordination, they may also ask your child to:

• Walk or run
• Stand from a sitting position
• Report words or phrases
• Answer questions

Because the pediatric neurologist works with children, they are specially trained to work with patients whose verbal skills are nonexistent or limited. However, they will often ask the parents or caregivers questions to better assess what is going on with the child.