Child Neurology

What is Child Neurology:

Child neurology, also known as pediatric neurology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurological disorders in children, adolescents, and sometimes even in infants. Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Child neurologists are medical doctors who have specialized training in both pediatrics (the medical care of children) and neurology. American Wellness Center based in Dubai Healthcare City specializes in Child Neurology.

At American Wellness Center Dubai, our consultant Child neurologist is qualified and trained to evaluate and treat a wide range of neurological conditions and disorders that can affect the developing nervous system of children. Some common examples of conditions treated by  our child neurologists include:

• Epilepsy: Our Child neurologist can diagnose and manage epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
• Developmental Delay (Including Autism): At American Wellness Center, our neurologist assesses and provide care for children with developmental delays or disorders, which can include conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities.
• Headaches: Children can experience various types of headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Our Child neurologist can help diagnose and manage these conditions.
• Neuromuscular Disorders: our child neurology department is specialized to address disorders that affect the muscles and the nerves that control them, such as muscular dystrophy or peripheral neuropathy.
• Neurogenetic Disorders: At American Wellness Center, our child neurologist is trained to diagnose and manage genetic conditions that affect the nervous system, like neurofibromatosis or Rett syndrome.
• Movement Disorders: Conditions like tourette syndrome or dystonia, which involve involuntary movements or tics, are within the scope of child neurology.
• Neuroinflammatory Disorders: Our child neurologist can diagnose and treat autoimmune disorders affecting the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS).
• Neurovascular Disorders: At American Wellness Center we are equipped to treat conditions like pediatric stroke or moyamoya disease, which affect blood vessels in the brain.
• Seizure Disorders: In addition to epilepsy, our child neurologists have experience to evaluate and manage other seizure disorders that can occur in children.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries:  Our child neurologist offers services to assess and manage children who have suffered head injuries.

As Child neurologists work closely with pediatricians, pediatric nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to children with neurological issues, at American Wellness Center Dubai we have team of American Board-Certified Pediatrician and neuro psychologists, child psychiatrist, child psychologists, child speech and language pathologists who work in close collaboration with child neurologist to make continuity of care smooth and affective. They use various diagnostic tools, including imaging studies like MRI and CT scans, electroencephalograms (EEGs), NCS and genetic testing, Neuro-psych assessments  to help diagnose and develop treatment plans tailored to each child's specific needs.

The field of child neurology is essential in addressing the unique neurological challenges faced by children, as their developing nervous systems require specialized care and attention.

When should you see a Child Neurologist:

You should consider seeing a child neurologist if your child is experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms that suggest a neurological issue:

• Seizures: If your child experiences seizures, which can manifest as convulsions, loss of consciousness, unusual movements, or altered awareness, it's essential to consult a child neurologist. Epilepsy is a common neurological condition in children and can be treated.
• Developmental Delays: If your child is not reaching developmental milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, walking, speaking, or socializing, within the expected time frame, a child neurologist can help assess and diagnose any underlying neurological causes.
• Headaches: Persistent, severe, or recurrent headaches, especially those accompanied by other symptoms like vision changes or neurological deficits, should be evaluated by a child neurologist to rule out underlying conditions.
• Motor Coordination Issues: If your child has difficulty with fine or gross motor skills, coordination, balance, or muscle weakness, it may be indicative of a neuromuscular or neurological disorder.
• Behavioural or Cognitive Changes: Sudden or significant changes in behavior, mood, or cognitive function can sometimes be linked to neurological issues. Conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, and mood disorders may require assessment by a child neurologist.
• Speech and Language Problems: Delayed or regressive speech and poor language development may be related to neurological conditions. A child neurologist can help identify and address these issues.
• Tics or Movement Disorders: If your child exhibits involuntary movements, repetitive behaviors, or tics (such as those seen in Tourette syndrome), a child neurologist can assess and manage these conditions.
• Neurological Infections: If your child has had a neurological infection, such as meningitis or encephalitis, or if they show signs of neurological complications following an illness, it's crucial to seek specialized care from a child neurologist.
• Neurogenetic Disorders: If there's a family history of neurological disorders or if your child displays signs of a genetic condition affecting the nervous system, a child neurologist can provide genetic testing and counseling.
• Neurological Trauma: If your child experiences head injuries, especially if they result in loss of consciousness, seizures, or other neurological symptoms, prompt evaluation by a child neurologist is necessary.
• Neurological Regression: If your child was developing typically but then experiences a loss of previously acquired skills or abilities, this can be a concerning sign and should be evaluated by a child neurologist.

It's important to consult with your child's primary care physician or pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's neurological health. They can help determine whether a referral to a child neurologist is necessary based on your child's specific symptoms and medical history, or you can directly book an appointment with pediatric neurologist.

Early diagnosis and intervention are often crucial in managing and treating neurological conditions in children, so seeking medical attention promptly is advisable when there are any concerns.

How we work:

Our Child neurologists has specialized training in pediatrics. His aim is to diagnose, treat, and manage neurological disorders in children and adolescents. Here's an overview of how our child neurologist typically works:

• Patient Evaluation:
  • The first step is a thorough evaluation. This includes taking a detailed medical history from the child and their parents or caregivers. He will ask about the child's symptoms, the duration of the symptoms, and any relevant family medical history.
  • A physical examination is conducted to assess the child's neurological function, including reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and sensation. etc.
• Diagnostic Testing:
  • At American Wellness Center our child neurologists may order various diagnostic tests to aid in diagnosis. These tests can include imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans to visualize the brain and nervous system.
  • Electroencephalograms (EEGs) may be used to monitor electrical activity in the brain, especially in cases of epilepsy or seizure disorders. We have state of the art facilities and well-connected staff to order any advanced procedure within medical community. Genetic testing may be recommended for suspected genetic or hereditary neurological conditions.
    
• Diagnosis:
  • Based on the evaluation and test results, our child neurologist will make a diagnosis. This can involve identifying the specific neurological disorder or condition affecting the child.
    
• Treatment Planning:
  • Once a diagnosis is made, the child neurologist develops and offers a personalized treatment plan to our valued patients. Treatment options vary depending on the condition but may include medications, therapies, lifestyle modifications, or surgical interventions.
  • Based on findings our Child neurologist has the privilege to discuss case and collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as Child Psychiatrist, neuro-psych assessment and testing, physical therapists, Child occupational therapists, Child speech therapists, and Child psychologists, to provide comprehensive care.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-up:
  • Many neurological conditions in children require ongoing monitoring and management.
  • At American Wellness Center our Child neurologist offers personalized care and has availability to follow up with patients at regular intervals to assess progress and adjust treatment as needed with no waiting time. To further support our patients, based on the diagnosis and needs of the patient, he may also provide guidance and support to families on managing the condition at home and addressing any potential complications or challenges.
    
• Multidisciplinary Care:
  • At American Wellness Center, our Child neurologists work closely with other pediatric specialists, such as child psychiatry and psychology, pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric neuropsychologists, and genetic counselors, to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
  • At American Wellness Center, our aim is to improve the quality of life for children with neurological conditions, and their work involves a combination of clinical expertise, diagnostic skills, compassion, and ongoing support for both the child and their family.

FAQ

What is the difference between a neurologist and a child neurologist?

Child neurologists and adult neurologists are both medical doctors who specialize in the field of neurology, which involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the nervous system. However, there are several key differences between these two specialties:

1. Patient Population:

• Child Neurologist: Child neurologists specialize in the care of pediatric patients, which includes infants, children, and adolescents up to the age of 18 or sometimes even beyond. They focus on neurological disorders that specifically affect children and the developing nervous system.
• Adult Neurologist: Adult neurologists, on the other hand, primarily care for adult patients, typically those over the age of 18. They diagnose and treat neurological conditions that affect adults, which may differ in terms of presentation and management from pediatric neurology.
  

2. Training and Education:

• Child Neurologist: Child neurologists undergo specialized training in both pediatrics and neurology. This training equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the unique needs of pediatric patients.
• Adult Neurologist: Adult neurologists complete their training in neurology but do not have the additional pediatric training that child neurologists receive.
  

3. Scope of Practice:

• Child Neurologist: Child neurologists are experts in diagnosing and managing neurological conditions that are specific to children. They are well-versed in developmental neurology and conditions that may manifest differently in pediatric patients.
• Adult Neurologist: Adult neurologists focus on neurological conditions that primarily affect adults, such as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
  

4. Treatment Approaches:

• Child Neurologist: Child neurologists often use treatment approaches that are tailored to the developing nervous system of children. This may include specialized medications, therapies, and interventions designed to accommodate a child's growth and development.
• Adult Neurologist: Adult neurologists employ treatment strategies that are appropriate for fully developed adult nervous systems. These treatments may differ from those used in pediatrics.
  

5. Communication and Family Involvement:

• Child Neurologist: Child neurologists are skilled in communicating with both their young patients and their families, as the family often plays a central role in the care of pediatric patients.
• Adult Neurologist: While adult neurologists also involve families in care when appropriate, their primary focus is on the adult patient.
  

6. Research and Subspecialties:

• Both child neurologists and adult neurologists may have subspecialties within their respective fields. For example, some child neurologists specialize in pediatric epilepsy, while adult neurologists might focus on movement disorders or stroke.
  

In summary, child neurologists and adult neurologists share a foundational understanding of neurology but have distinct areas of expertise and patient populations. Child neurologists are uniquely trained to address the specific neurological needs of children and adolescents, while adult neurologists specialize in adult neurological care. If a child has a neurological issue, it is typically best to seek care from a child neurologist due to their specialized training and experience in pediatric neurology.

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