Pediatric neurologists are specialists that deal with children, particularly in health concerns related to disorders of the nervous system. This means conditions involving the spinal cord, muscles, nerves and the brain. Frequently, pediatric neurologists work in conjunction with family doctors or other specialists to treat children with conditions that may have overlapping concerns.
Function
Children may require a visit with a pediatric neurologist for a wide variety of conditions or concerns. It could be something as simple as recurrent headaches or migraines that lead a family physician or pediatrician to refer a family to a pediatric neurologist.
Other reasons to see a pediatric neurologist include any head or brain injury or trauma, seizures or epilepsy, brain tumors, hydrocephalus, developmental concerns, such as delayed coordination, speech, or motor skills, mental retardation, autism, sleep disorders, or behavioral concerns, particularly attention deficit or hyperactivity disorders.
Features
To become a pediatric neurologist, a physician has to finish medical school (four years of studying), complete one or two years of pediatric residency, and then three or more years of residency in neurology, either child or adult.
Whenever seeking a specialist, patients or parents of patients, should determine if the doctor is board certified in his or her specialty with the appropriate governing body. In the case of pediatric neurology, this would be the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. There should be an indication of expertise in pediatric neurology in particular.
Pediatric neurologists may work with other specialists such as pediatric neuropsychologists, or pediatric neurosurgeons, depending on the patient's condition and needs.
Pediatric neurologists need to have equal expertise in dealing with the physical side and psychological impact of a child's condition, and skills in working with the child's family to communicate and set a treatment plan in place.
Significance
In looking at all the conditions that pediatric neurologists specialize in, one might wonder why not just let the regular family doctor or pediatrician handle your child's case? After all, ADHD, headaches, seizures, all these things are commonly seen by family doctors or pediatricians, so why consult a specialist?
Because specialists only see these kinds of cases. They don't see kids with the croup, the flu, hives, or ear infections. They spend their days focused on their specific area of training and as such they have infinitely more experience with these kinds of conditions than the regular doctor your child sees. Seeing these types of patients daily instead of every month or year, means a higher degree of expertise. They study up on these conditions alone. They are going to be much more aware of the cutting edge treatments available to your child, and what the latest studies reveal about the conditions involved.
While a typical family doctor may know a good deal about a great many things, a specialist is going to have a deeper knowledge and experience level with the type of situation your child is in.
Considerations
When a primary doctor wants your child to be seen by a , there are some questions to be asked. If the referring doctor gives the name of a specific pediatric neurologist, ask why this is the physician being recommended. Has your doctor worked with this specialist before? How many times and on what types of cases? How pleased were the referred families with the neurologist? What kinds of feedback has the physician received? Where is the specialist located and with which hospitals is he/she affiliated? If this is going to be a continuing treatment option, distance and your comfort level with the hospital are important considerations.
Find out if the pediatric neurologist is board certified and how long the doctor has been in practice. What areas is this doctor particularly known for? Some pediatric neurologists specialize in behavioral issues, while others in seizure disorders or brain injuries. You want a good match for your child's needs.
Will this specialist take your insurance? This is something that cannot be overlooked as a concern for most families.
When you go for an initial visit, be prepared to ask a lot of questions. Take note of how well the office seems to work to the patient's best interests. Are the receptionists helpful and friendly? Is the waiting room clean, well laid out, uncrowded and child-friendly?
How does your child interact with the doctor? Does the doctor take time to establish a rapport with the child, or does your child seem more like a prop in the room that the adults talk around?
If this doesn't seem like a good fit for your family, don't be afraid to seek out another specialist that will fit your family needs better.
Effects
A pediatric neurologist will employ a variety of techniques to help have the best possible care available. The specialist will have a variety of medical and psychological tests available to help determine your child's functioning and areas or concern. The pediatric neurologist will be experienced as well in taking those test results and developing a treatment plan along with the family that should best suit the child's needs.
A pediatric neurologist will be well-versed in medicines and other medical treatments available for your child's condition, and what the benefit to risk ratio is for each.
The specialist will also be able to help the child as well as other family members deal with the emotional side of the child's condition and treatment. The pediatric neurologist will be able to help the family know what to expect and best ways of handling potential problems.
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