Pediatric Neurology

Specialists in Childhood Neurology

Our expert team of pediatric neurologists understands the intricacies of pediatric brain, spine and nervous system care. Our specialists are trained to care for the complex needs of children as their nervous systems continue to develop.  

We evaluate, diagnose and treat infants to adolescents, including those with special needs. We see patients with disorders or impaired functions of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, peripheral nerves, autonomic nervous system and the related blood vessels.

Children’s Brain, Spine & Nervous System Disorders

We take a collaborative approach to diagnosing, treating and managing neurological conditions. A team of neurologists, specialists, primary care providers, nurses, physicians and more provide care that fits your child’s needs as they grow and change.

Our specialists treat a variety of pediatric neurological conditions, including:

• Chiari malformation: A disorder in which the brain extends past the skull and into the spinal canal. It doesn’t always have symptoms and may only need to be monitored. This condition sometimes requires surgery.

• Epilepsy: Involuntary muscle spasms or contractions and strange behavior or sensations. A child can faint or lose consciousness during a seizure. Pediatricians treat epilepsy with medications and, in severe cases, surgery.

• Hydrocephalus: A rare condition caused by the abnormal buildup of fluid deep in the brain that needs to be treated surgically.

• Movement disorders: Conditions that cause involuntary movements or hinder voluntary movements. The treatment or management of these disorders varies.

• Spina bifida: Present at birth and occurs when the spine develops abnormally. 

• Traumatic brain injuries: Caused by a violent blow to the head, and in children are often sports-related. Your child’s neurologist may recommend rest, medication or surgery as treatment.

• Autism: A disorder that affects a child’s nervous system, growth and development and often shows up by age 3.

• Complex brain and spinal tumors: Often benign but can cause seizures or other problems by creating pressure on surrounding brain tissue. Treatment often includes surgery and sometimes includes radiation or chemotherapy.

• Chronic headaches and migraines: Frequent, long-lasting headaches caused by changes in blood vessels or nerve signals, malfunction in pain processing or brain chemistry changes. Treatment often includes rest and medication but varies based on your child’s symptoms, age and general health.

• Intracranial cysts: A fluid-filled sac in the brain that could or could not be cancerous. Even if it is not cancerous, it could still cause problems from creating pressure on surrounding brain tissue. Treatment often includes surgery.

• Vascular malformations affecting the nervous system: A rare issue with blood vessels that damage the brain or spinal cord due to bleeding into nearby tissue. Treatment may include medication or surgery.

• Stroke: A brain injury caused by the interruption of blood flow to part of the brain. Stroke is uncommon in children, so the diagnosis could be delayed. The risk is highest before age 1.

   

If your child needs surgery, our pediatric neurosurgeons use advanced surgical techniques for safer procedures.

Find a pediatric neurology specialist or location near you.