Pediatric Neurology

What is a Pediatric Neurologist?

A pediatric neurologist specializes in treating child-specific neurological conditions. These specialists provide medical treatment for children from birth until they reach young adulthood (i.e., 18 or 19 years of age).

To specialize in pediatric neurology, a medical doctor must take advanced training courses and attain clinical experience in this particular area of practice.

What Does a Pediatric Neurologist Do?

A pediatric neurologist uses the symptoms a child is experiencing, his or her medical history, a physical examination along with state-of-the-art diagnostic testing to determine if a neurological problem is causing the child’s symptoms.

A pediatric neurologist typically diagnoses, treats and manages:

• Muscular dystrophy.
• Autoimmune issues that affect the spinal cord and brain (e.g., multiple sclerosis).
• Neuropathy.
• Epilepsy.
• Seizures.
• Rett syndrome.
• Headaches (e.g., concussions, migraines).
• Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• Behavioral disorders (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD])
• Sleep problems.
• Tourette syndrome (aka Tourette’s).
• Tics.
• Developmental disorders (e.g., delayed speech, cerebral palsy, problems with coordination, delays in meeting milestones related to motor skills).
• Congenital brain malformations.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Intellectual disabilities.
• Genetic conditions affecting the nervous system.
• Stroke.
• Brain tumors.
• Infections and inflammation of the brain (e.g., encephalitis, meningitis).

Why Would Parents Take Their Child to a Pediatric Neurology Clinic?

Problems with a child’s nervous system can arise due to issues related to the brain, spine, muscles or nerves. If neurological problems exist, a child may experience headaches, seizures or developmental delay. When a child experiences symptoms such as these, his or her pediatrician may recommend that the parents schedule an appointment with a pediatric neurologist. Parents should call 978-687-2321 to make an appointment with one of the experienced and compassionate pediatric neurologists at New England Neurological Associates (NENA).

Symptoms that may require a visit to a pediatric neurologist include a child:

• Having difficulty maintaining his or her balance.
• Experiencing frequent, severe or long-lasting headaches.
• Falling into unconsciousness without a specific reason.
• Having difficulty remembering (i.e., memory loss).
• Experiencing numbness, tingling or a lack of sensation.
• Having unexplained pain.
• Experiencing difficulty walking or moving around.
• Having seizures.
• Experiencing tremors/shaking.
• Making unintentional movements or experiencing tics.
• Displaying delays in development.
• Having problems related to his or her overall coordination or some other issue relating to motor function.

When a child receives a diagnosis for a neurological condition, or is experiencing any of the issues listed above, he or she will most likely need treatment or monitoring. A pediatric neurologist is the professional specializing in this type of care.