Pediatric Neurology is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases affecting children, particularly those involving the brain. It encompasses a wide range of conditions that can affect the nervous system in childhood, ranging from birth to adolescence.

Key Areas of Pediatric Neurology:

  1. Neurological Follow-up for At-Risk Babies:
    • Monitoring premature babies or those born with complications that could affect brain development.
    • Early intervention to detect and address neurological issues to promote normal development.
  2. Developmental Delays:
    • Concerns related to fine and gross motor skills, language development, and social abilities.
    • Identification and management of delays in development to support growth.
  3. Hypotonia (Loose Baby Syndrome):
    • A condition where the child shows low muscle tone, potentially leading to motor difficulties.
  4. Headaches and Migraines:
    • Pediatric migraines and tension-type headaches, including migraine variants.
    • Evaluation and treatment for different types of headaches.
  5. Seizures:
    • Conditions like febrile convulsions, breath-holding spells, afebrile convulsions, and epilepsy.
    • Video EEG monitoring is often used to diagnose and assess seizures.
  6. Cerebral Palsy:
    • A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination, typically caused by brain injury or abnormal brain development during early childhood.
  7. Mental Retardation & Related Disorders:
    • Evaluation of intellectual disabilities and associated neurological conditions.
  8. Congenital or Acquired Brain Abnormalities:
    • Addressing conditions affecting the brain either from birth or due to injury or illness.
  9. Neuromuscular Diseases:
    • Conditions affecting the muscles and the junction between nerves and muscles.
  10. Neuro-metabolic Diseases:
    • Metabolic diseases, such as phenylketonuria, which are more common in regions with high rates of consanguineous marriages.
  11. Neurodegenerative Diseases:
    • Progressive conditions leading to the loss of acquired skills and abilities.
  12. Autism and Developmental Disorders:
    • Diagnosing and managing autism spectrum disorders and related developmental challenges.
  13. Speech and Movement Disorders:
    • Conditions affecting speech and motor function, including tics, tremors, and other movement-related issues.
  14. Premature Babies and Brain Development:
    • Close monitoring and early intervention in premature infants to detect neurological issues early.

Pediatric Neurology at Erdem Hospital:

At Erdem Hospital, the pediatric neurology team focuses on early diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions to ensure healthy brain development. The hospital provides specialized services such as:

  • Detailed neurological evaluations for at-risk infants.
  • Developmental support through physiotherapy and neurological care.
  • EEG testing for epilepsy, including sleep and wakefulness monitoring in the Pediatric EEG Laboratory.
  • Video EEG Monitoring for diagnosing seizures and identifying the brain regions where seizures originate.

Commonly Asked Questions in Pediatric Neurology:

What is the role of a pediatric neurologist? 

Pediatric neurologists diagnose and treat children with neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and other brain-related conditions. They work with children from infancy to adolescence, providing early diagnosis and interventions.

How can I tell if my child has a neurological problem? 

Parents may notice signs such as developmental delays (motor, language, social), frequent headaches, unusual movements, seizures, or difficulty with motor control. It’s important to consult a pediatric neurologist for an evaluation if these issues arise.

What is the treatment for childhood epilepsy? 

Treatment for epilepsy typically involves medication to control seizures. A pediatric neurologist will monitor the child’s progress and adjust treatment as needed. In some cases, additional therapies such as ketogenic diets or surgical options may be considered.

How does EEG work in diagnosing neurological conditions? 

EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain and helps in diagnosing conditions like epilepsy, sleep disorders, and certain developmental disorders. It can be done during sleep or wakefulness, and in some cases, video EEG is used to monitor seizure activity.

What is the importance of early intervention in premature babies? 

Early neurological assessments in premature infants help detect developmental or neurological issues at the earliest stage, allowing for timely interventions. Early treatment can lead to better outcomes in brain development.

What is Video EEG Monitoring, and why is it important? 

Video EEG is a diagnostic tool where the child’s brain activity is monitored via electrodes and recorded on video. This helps to distinguish between true seizures and other similar events. It’s the gold standard for diagnosing epilepsy and understanding seizure origins.

Can a child recover from cerebral palsy? 

While cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, early treatment with physiotherapy and other supportive therapies can help improve motor skills and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.

How are developmental delays treated in children? 

Treatment often involves therapy (such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy) and specialized educational support. Early intervention is key to improving outcomes and helping children reach their full potential.

By identifying and treating neurological problems early, Erdem Hospital helps children achieve optimal development and quality of life, ensuring healthier individuals in the future.