Pediatric Neurologist: What Do They Do?

Introduction:

Problems in the nervous system can originate in the brain, spine, nerves, or muscles. These issues can result in problems like headaches, developmental delays, or seizures. Pediatric neurologists offer treatment to children from birth to young adulthood. Pediatric neurologists are experts or specialists in this field and undertake a rigorous educational program to obtain additional training in their specialty. Pediatric neurologists deal with both simple disorders like cerebral palsy (a congenital disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, or posture) and migraines and complex and rare conditions like neurodegenerative disorders or metabolic diseases.

What Types of Conditions Are Treated by Pediatric Neurologists?

Pediatric neurologists usually diagnose, treat, and manage the following conditions:

• Epilepsy (a condition in which the nerve cell activity of the brain gets disturbed) and seizures.

• Headaches like migraines and concussions.

• Muscle problems that may cause weakness like neuropathy (damage to the peripheral nerves) or muscular dystrophy (a group of genetic diseases that cause gradual weakness and loss of muscle mass).

• Behavioral disorders like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD- a condition in which the development of the brain and its activity are affected, which affects one’s attention, self-control, and ability to sit still), sleep problems, tics, and so on.

• Autism (a developmental disorder of the brain that causes difficulty in social interaction and communication), intellectual disability, and congenital malformations.

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

• Stroke and traumatic brain injury.

• Genetic disorders that affect the nervous system.

• Autoimmune problems that affect the brain and spinal cord.

• Brain tumors, infections, or inflammation of the brain.

When Should One Consult a Pediatric Neurologist?

A family doctor or a pediatrician (child doctor) may refer the child to a pediatric neurologist in the following conditions:

• Poor balance.

• Memory loss or unexplained loss of consciousness.

• Severe, frequent, or persistent headaches.

• Pain, numbness, lack of sensation, or tingling.

• Difficulty moving around, developmental delays, or walking issues.

• Tremors, unintentional jerks, tics, seizures, and issues with coordination or other motor functions.

What Qualification Does a Pediatric Neurologist Hold?

A pediatric neurologist has to meet the following educational criteria:

• Should have completed four years of medical school.

• At least one to two years of internship or residency in general pediatrics.

• Three years of residency training in pediatric neurology, which encompasses one year of training in adult neurology.

• A few pediatric neurologists complete an additional one to two years of training, which is referred to as a fellowship. In the fellowship course, they learn a subspecialty within neurology, like genetics, neuromuscular disease, or epilepsy.

A majority of pediatric neurologists have certification from the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

What Do Pediatric Neurologists Do in the First Visit?

During the first visit to the pediatric neurologist, the physician will assess the child using different techniques. For instance, a reflex hammer may be used on the knees and elbows to test various reflexes. To evaluate the child’s balance, mental status, coordination, and motor skills, the child may be asked to:

• Stand from a sitting position.

• Run or walk.

• Answer questions.

• Talk words or phrases.

Since pediatric neurologists work with children, they are exclusively trained to work with patients whose verbal skills are limited or nonexistent. The parents or caretakers may be questioned about certain movements or behaviors in the child to make an appropriate diagnosis. The following are some of the tests that pediatric neurologists usually suggest to make a diagnosis:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): EEG aids in detecting issues with the electrical activity in the brain. This test is also helpful in diagnosing seizures, and ensuring that the child’s brain is establishing the expected types of electrical activity appropriate for their age.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: These imaging tests are used to capture pictures of the brain and spinal cord. These can help detect signs of stroke, infection, brain tumor, certain genetic conditions, and so on.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests may involve basic tests to check for signs of infection or electrolyte changes. Even complicated testing like genetic tests may be suggested for certain disorders.

• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure in which a small needle is inserted in the lower back to obtain a sample of spinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This enables the physician to detect any signs of infection or inflammation.

Other techniques that are used to diagnose the underlying neurologic condition include:

• Chromosome studies.

• Electromyography.

• Hearing and vision assessments.

• Genetic testing.

• Developmental tests.

• X-rays.

• Genetic counseling.

What Other Specialists Do Pediatric Neurologists Work With?

Pediatric neurologists work with the following:

• Speech Therapists: Speech therapists are highly trained to help children with speech challenges, enable them to overcome their difficulties, and aid in effective communication. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help with swallowing and chewing issues.

• Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help those suffering from neurological conditions to achieve a more functional lifestyle. They enable pediatric patients to get accustomed to their unique health challenges and facilitate them in living the fullest life possible.

• Physical Therapists: Physical therapists not only offer support to athletes recovering from injury but also help pediatric patients with neurological conditions attain greater physical functionality with the help of numerous proven techniques. These therapists focus on optimizing motion, flexibility, strength, and movement patterns.

Pediatric neurologists collaborate as a team with pediatricians or other primary care doctors. Pediatric neurologists may work with other pediatric specialists to render care to children who have more serious medical issues like birth defects, genetic defects, or epilepsy. These are chronic conditions that require continuing care and close monitoring throughout childhood and adolescence.

Conclusion:

With major advancements in the medical field, the field of neurology has gained popularity in recent times, and this field offers a better understanding of the human body. The field of pediatric neurology involves diseases and disorders of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, blood vessels, peripheral nervous system (PNS), and autonomic nervous system (ANS) that affect children in the pediatric age group. A pediatric neurologist has the knowledge and specialized training to evaluate, diagnose, and treat the pediatric population.