Quick answer
What does a pediatric neurologist treat?
A pediatric neurologist diagnoses and manages conditions of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles in children. Common reasons for referral include seizures and epilepsy, recurrent or severe headaches, developmental delay or regression, movement disorders such as tics or tremor, and muscle weakness.
What is pediatric neurology?
Pediatric neurology deals with how a child's brain and nervous system develop and function. Because the nervous system changes quickly in early childhood, the same symptom can mean different things at different ages.
Most children with a neurological concern are first seen by a pediatrician, who takes a detailed history, examines the child and decides whether the problem can be managed in general pediatric care or needs specialist input.
When might a child need a neurological evaluation?
- A seizure, fainting episode or unexplained blank spells
- Headaches that are frequent, severe or wake the child from sleep
- Delay in sitting, walking or talking, or loss of skills
- Unusual movements such as tics, tremor or jerks
- Weakness, clumsiness or frequent falls
- Concerns about attention, learning or behaviour with other neurological signs
Conditions and concerns evaluated
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Assessment after a first seizure and ongoing management of epilepsy.
- Headaches
- Identifying the type of headache, its triggers and a management plan.
- Developmental delay
- Evaluation of delay that may have a neurological cause.
- Movement disorders
- Tics, tremor and other difficulties controlling movement.
- Neuromuscular concerns
- Muscle weakness, low tone and related conditions.
- Rehabilitation guidance
- Advice and referral for therapy during recovery from neurological illness.
Pediatrician vs pediatric neurologist
| Aspect | Pediatrician | Pediatric neurologist |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Overall health, growth and development of children | Conditions of the brain, nerves and muscles in children |
| When to see | First contact for any health concern | When a neurological condition is suspected or confirmed |
| Typical concerns | Fever, infections, vaccination, growth, routine developmental checks | Epilepsy, complex headaches, regression, movement and neuromuscular disorders |
| How to access | Book directly | Usually after assessment and referral by a pediatrician |
How GROW approaches neurological concerns
A careful description of what happened is often the most important part of a neurological evaluation. Parents are asked to describe episodes in detail, and a phone video of an event is extremely helpful.
Every child is different, and plans are made together with the family. Where tests such as an EEG or brain imaging are appropriate, the reason for each is explained beforehand.
Specialist pediatric neurology consultations may be scheduled on specific days or arranged by referral. Please call the hospital to confirm current availability before your visit.
What to expect at the consultation
Detailed history
What you saw, how long it lasted, what your child was doing before and after.
Background
Birth, development, past illnesses, medicines and family history.
Neurological examination
Alertness, movement, strength, reflexes, coordination and walking.
Investigations
If needed, tests are explained and arranged.
Plan
Treatment, safety advice for home and school, and follow-up.
Age groups
Infants, children and adolescents.
What to bring
- A video of the episode or movement, if you have one
- A written timeline of events
- Previous EEG, MRI or CT reports and discharge summaries
- All current medicines with doses
When to seek urgent medical care
Do not wait for a routine appointment if your child has any of the following:
- A seizure lasting more than five minutes, or repeated seizures without recovery in between
- A first seizure
- Sudden severe headache, especially with vomiting, drowsiness or neck stiffness
- Sudden weakness, loss of balance, loss of vision or difficulty speaking
- A head injury followed by drowsiness, repeated vomiting or confusion
Go to the nearest emergency department or call your local emergency number.
Pediatric Neurology: frequently asked questions
What does a pediatric neurologist treat?
Conditions of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles in children, including epilepsy, complex headaches, developmental regression, movement disorders and neuromuscular conditions.
Should I see a pediatrician or a pediatric neurologist first?
In most cases, start with a pediatrician. They can assess the concern, begin initial management and refer to a pediatric neurologist when specialist evaluation is needed.
My child had a seizure with fever. What should I do?
Any first seizure needs prompt medical assessment. Seizures with fever are common in young children and are often not harmful, but a doctor should examine your child to look for the cause of the fever and advise you.
Does every child with headaches need a brain scan?
No. Most childhood headaches are diagnosed from the history and examination. Imaging is considered only when specific warning features are present.
Further reading
General guidance on this page is consistent with information published by:
