If your child has problems involving the nervous system, a Child Neurologist has the special training and experience to treat your child. Examples of such problems are seizures, delayed speech, weakness, or headaches.

What kind of training do child neurologists have?

Child neurologists are medical doctors who have completed

• Four years of medical school
• At least 1 to 2 years of pediatric residency
• Three or more years of residency training in adult and child neurology

In addition, most child neurologists have certification from the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (with special competency in child neurology).

Child neurologists treat children from birth into young adulthood. They choose to make the care of children the core of their medical practice. Their advanced training and experience equip them to meet your child's unique needs.

What types of services do child neurologists provide?

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

• Seizure disorders, including seizures in newborns, febrile convulsions, and epilepsy
• Medical aspects of head injuries and brain tumors
• Weakness, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and nerve-muscle disorders
• Headaches, including migraines
• Behavioral disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), school failure, autism, and sleep problems
• Developmental disorders, including delayed speech, motor milestones, and coordination issues
• Mental retardation
• Hydrocephalus

Where can I find a child neurologist?

Child neurologists practice in a variety of medical settings, including children's hospitals, university medical centers, community-based outpatient practices, private offices and clinics.

Child neurologists — the best care for children from birth to young adulthood

Child neurologists combine the special expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, muscles, nerves) with an understanding of medical disorders in childhood and the special needs of the child and his or her family and environment.

In many cases, child neurologists work as a team with pediatricians or other primary care doctors. In addition, child neurologists may work with other pediatric specialists to care for children who have more complex or serious medical issues, such as epilepsy, birth defects, or mental retardation. These are chronic conditions that require ongoing care and close follow-up throughout childhood and adolescence.

If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a child neurologist, you can be assured that your child will receive the best possible care.

Copyright © 2004

 #AAP