Overview

A baby’s brain, spinal cord and nerves are one of the very first systems to develop. In fact, the early years of a child’s life are very important for later health and development. Although the brain continues to develop and change into adulthood, the initial 1-2 years can build a foundation for future learning, health and life success.

Pediatric Neurology refers to a specialized branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions in neonates (newborns), infants, children, and adolescents. This includes the spinal cord, nerves, muscles, and related blood vessels. Problems in neurological areas can cause conditions like headaches, seizures, multiple sclerosis, or developmental delays in children.

Today, Dr.Iram Javed – Pediatric Neurologist will give us an insight into neurological conditions, the role of a pediatric neurologist and who should pay them a visit and why.

The Role of a Pediatric Neurologist

A pediatric neurologist has specialized training and knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat children from birth through 18 years of age who have problems with the nervous system. The conditions dealt with by pediatric neurologists vary considerably, from relatively simple disorders such as migraines or Cerebral Palsy to more complex and rare conditions such as traumatic brain injury, metabolic diseases or neurodegenerative disorders. Pediatric neurologists also develop treatment plans and help manage the care of children that have disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.

Usually, pediatric neurologists are referred by the general physicians to parents for specialist care. For children with long-term neurological ailments, the pediatric neurologist provides regular care and consultation. These specialists combine their understanding of diagnosis and treatment of the nervous system with expertise in childhood disorders and children’s special needs.

Pediatric neurologists diagnose and treat many diseases, including seizures, sleep disorders, head injuries, learning disabilities, developmental problems and they are also experts in preventing neurological disease and in reducing neurological disability.

Dr. Iram says. “Promoting the development of a healthy brain in a baby starts before pregnancy. For example, a combination of a healthy diet and right nutrients like sufficient folic acid will promote a healthy pregnancy and thus a healthy nervous system in the growing baby”.

Pediatric Neurological Conditions

Some neurological conditions might be genetic or congenital, meaning conditions developed in the womb. Other conditions may develop later on in life, secondary to any injury, infection, inflammation and tumour. Below are given some of the conditions present in children treated by pediatric neurologists:

•  Seizures and epilepsy
• Muscle problems which may cause weakness
• Headaches, including migraines and concussions
• Behavioral disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tics and Tourette Syndrome, and Sleep disorders
• Autism
• Developmental disorders, including Cerebral Palsy, Delayed speech, Delayed motor milestones, and coordination issues
• Intellectua disability
• Congenital malformations, which are problems in how the brain forms or develops
• Stroke and traumatic brain injury
• Genetic conditions that affect the nervous system
• Autoimmune problems that impact the brain and spinal cord (such as multiple sclerosis)
• Infections or inflammation of the brain (such as meningitis or encephalitis)
• Brain tumours

Children with these conditions will need specialized care provided by pediatric neurologists, trained to cater for the needs of, not only ‘children with special needs', but also to provide support to their families.

Symptoms

Dr. Iram provides some common symptoms which might seem unusual for the child in order to diagnose a neurological disorder. These symptoms could be like:

•  Severe, frequent, or ongoing headaches
  • Poor balance
  • Unexplained loss of consciousness
  • Memory loss
  • Pain
  • Lack of sensation, numbness, or tingling 
  • Problems moving around
  • Tremors
  • Developmental delays
  • Walking issues
  • Unintentional jerks or tics
  • Seizures
  • Hyperactivity
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Communication problem

•    Coordination, muscle control or other motor function

Diagnosis & Treatment

The neurological disorders are diagnosed based on a thorough review of the child’s medical history and symptoms. The doctor will also observe the child’s eye and hand coordination, head size and can ask to perform a wide variety of diagnostic and screening tests including:

• EEG (electroencephalogram)
• EMG (electromyography)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT scan
• Blood Tests
• General health and screening tests
• Imaging tests
• Psychometric and neuropsychological testing
• Sleep studies

Proper medication can help to manage the condition, reduce children’s neurological disorders symptoms and improve the quality of life. However, the type of medication for the treatment will depend on the condition.

Conclusion

A pediatric neurologist monitors the general health of the child’s brain and nervous system and manage certain conditions, such as occasional headaches. The specialist will further evaluate symptoms and risk factors for serious conditions, such as learning delays or concussions.

Early intervention is important to help babies and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Seeing an experienced pediatric neurologist for early treatment or preventive care before serious brain or nerve problems occur is the best way to reduce a child’s risk of permanent damage, disability, and other complications.

To book an online or physical consultation session with Dr. Iram Javed – Pediatrician Neurologist click on the link https://www.shifaam.com/doctors/faisalabad/paediatric-neurologist/dr-iram-javed-11807 or download the Shifaam Health App now from Google Play (bit.ly/2JqZo3C)or the iOS App Store (apple.co/2QUVxQz), call us at 021-37132273 or Whatsapp0347 7222273 us today!

Other pediatric neurologists on Shifaam.com are as follows: