what is a child neurologist?
The child neurologist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating the specific pathologies of the nervous system from zero to 18 years. He is a professional who pays special attention to neurodevelopment and the interferences caused by various disorders. Neuropediatrist attend to a very broad spectrum of disorders, most of them mild, but also some serious and complex.
Neurological diseases or disorders, even being mild, cause fear and a feeling of ignorance in parents. It is appropriate to consult with the neurosurgeon for concerns such as:
- Suspicion of attention deficit disorder with / without hyperactivity.
- Delays in development, global and motor
- Language disorders
- Epileptic seizures (absences, seizures, etc.) with or without fever.
- Suspicion of delay or intellectual disability.
- School learning disorders such as dyslexia.
- Headache.
- If low or high performance autism or the so-called “Asperger syndrome”
- If cerebral malformation is suspected.Any other symptoms, in addition to those mentioned, when we think that the nervous system may be involved.
In the face of the consultation, especially the first one, it is necessary to realize that most of the time the problems are not serious, so it is possible to be optimistic. Although uncertainty sometimes worries, it is essential to do the necessary tests before making a clear diagnosis if it is not possible. Patience and understanding are good allies.
It is not a bad idea to prepare the visit to the pediatric neurologist in advance and bring the basic data: what happens to the patient, since when and what does he attribute it to and how the problem has evolved. It is important to keep the relevant documents that may be related to the visit: for example, if you already have neuropsychological or intelligence tests in case of suspected attention deficit it is convenient to take them just in case they are useful, as well as write down information about a close family history of something similar or that is related to neurology or psychiatry. Depending on the case, it is common to ask about the history of pregnancy and childbirth, weight of the child at birth, height and what the head measured (this data is usually indicated on the card). It is also appropriate to write a sketch about the basic neurodevelopment: when he began to sit, walk, talk, if he had to go to the speech therapist, if there is any ancient evidence related to the visit, etc.
The best treatment is always a good diagnosis.
Dr Aman PS Sohal is a U.K Board certified Consultant Pediatric Neurologist with over 11 years of experience in Pediatrics which includes more than six years of experience as a Consultant in Pediatric Neurology.
