Child Neurology

The pediatric neurology specialty, which diagnoses and treats diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles, and covers children aged 0-18, can also be defined as "Developmental neurology" or "Pediatric neurology" in the literature.

Since growth and development continue in the 0-18 age group, the neurological examinations, causes of illnesses, diagnosis and treatment methods of individuals in this group differ from those of adults. This also requires expertise. Pediatric neurology covers a wide range of areas including neurological processes of premature and risky babies, developmental disorders in children, brain traumas, loss of consciousness, walking disorders that occur over the years, familial neurological diseases, headache, paralysis, epilepsy, muscle and nerve injuries, cerebral palsy, autistic complaints, and behavioral disorders.

The most prominent diseases that pediatric neurology deals with are cerebral palsy, hypotonic baby, epilepsy, movement disorders, autism, neuromotor developmental delay, vertigo, SMA and other muscular and peripheral nervous system diseases.

What is Child Neurology?

Pediatric neurology covers diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves throughout the body). Pediatric neurology addresses a wide range of health problems, from developmental delays to genetic diseases.

What Diseases Does Pediatric Neurology Treat?

Pediatric neurologists deal with a variety of neurological diseases and disorders, including:

• Diseases related to the brain or nervous system: Pediatric neurologists are experts in treating all types of diseases related to the brain or nervous system.
• Genetic or congenital diseases: Some neurological conditions may be genetic or congenital.
• Conditions resulting from trauma: The treatment of neurological damage resulting from trauma also falls within the scope of child neurology.
• Muscular dystrophy and other muscle diseases: Diseases that cause muscles to weaken over time.
• Epilepsy: This disease, which progresses with seizures, is one of the conditions that pediatric neurologists frequently encounter.
• Tourette syndrome: A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics and sounds.
• Developmental disorders: A variety of disorders that affect children's development, such as delays in language and motor skills.
• Autism: Some pediatric neurologists may specialize in specific conditions such as autism.
• Complex metabolic disorders: Disorders that affect metabolism and often require complex treatments.
• Muscle and nerve diseases: Various diseases affecting the muscle and nervous system.
• Genetic diseases: Neurological conditions of genetic origin.
• Brain and nervous system malformations: Structural disorders of the brain and nervous system.

Pediatric neurologists deal with a wide range of neurological conditions, including the diseases and conditions mentioned above.

In Which Situations Should Expert Opinion Be Obtained?

It is important to consult a pediatric neurologist if your child has any of the following symptoms:

• Developmental delays (such as sitting, walking or talking): If your child is not passing certain age milestones (for example, sitting at six months, walking at one year, talking at two years) or has a significant delay in motor skills, this could be a sign of a neurological problem.
• Persistent headaches or migraines: If your child has frequent headaches, especially if the headaches are severe and prolonged or accompanied by migraine symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity, he or she should be evaluated by a specialist.
• Seizures or epileptic attacks: If you observe loss of consciousness, convulsions, abnormal movements or seizure-like events in your child, this may be a sign of a neurological disorder such as epilepsy and you should consult a neurologist immediately.
• Muscle weakness or coordination problems: If you notice your child with noticeable muscle weakness, unsteadiness when walking or running, difficulties with hand-eye coordination, or problems with fine motor skills (for example, buttoning a button, holding a pencil), these signs may indicate a neurological problem.
• Behavioral and emotional problems: If your child has behavioral or emotional problems such as inattention, hyperactivity, sudden angry outbursts, difficulties with social relationships, or emotional swings, these conditions may require a neurological evaluation.
• Sleep disorders: If your child has sleep problems such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, nightmares, night terrors or excessive sleepiness during the day, these conditions may be neurological in origin and you may need to consult a specialist.
• Persistent symptoms after head injury: If your child has suffered a head injury and continues to have symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory problems or difficulty concentrating, these symptoms may be a sign of brain damage and should be evaluated immediately by a pediatric neurologist.

What Does a Pediatric Neurologist Do?

Pediatric neurologists use a variety of methods to assess, diagnose, and treat the neurological health of children. Their duties include:

• Performing a detailed medical history and physical examination
• Using diagnostic tools such as laboratory tests, brain imaging (MRI, CT), and electroencephalography (EEG)
• Creating treatment plans and regulating medication therapy
• Recommend rehabilitation and therapy programs
• Providing counselling to families and caregivers

How Do I Know If My Child Has a Neurological Disease?

If you suspect your child may have a neurological disorder, it is important to look out for certain symptoms. These symptoms may appear in your child's development or daily life. Here are some symptoms to look out for:

• Motor delays: If you notice that your child is significantly delayed in motor skills such as sitting, walking, running, or hand-eye coordination compared to his/her peers, this may indicate a neurological problem. For example, if he/she is not walking by the age of one or has not started talking by the age of two, these signs may warrant a consultation with a specialist.
• Delays in speech and language development: If your child has significant delays in speech and language development, such as difficulty understanding words or forming sentences, this may be a sign of a neurological problem. If you have concerns about language development, it may be worth talking to a speech-language pathologist or pediatric neurologist.
• Changes in behavior or abnormal behavior: If you observe abnormal behaviors in your child, such as sudden changes in behavior, extreme outbursts of anger, difficulties with social interactions, or repetitive movements, these signs may indicate a neurological or psychiatric problem.
• Constant fatigue or lack of attention: If your child is constantly tired or weak, has difficulty concentrating, or has trouble concentrating at school or with daily activities, this could be a sign of a neurological disorder. These types of symptoms may be associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other attention problems.
• Sudden seizures or loss of consciousness: If your child suddenly has a seizure, loss of consciousness, or epileptic symptoms such as convulsions, it is important to see a neurologist immediately. Neurological diseases such as epilepsy can present with seizures, and early diagnosis is critical for treatment.
• Changes in muscle tone (hypotonia or hypertonia): If you notice significant changes in your child's muscle tone (muscles that are too loose or too stiff), this could be a sign of a neurological problem. Hypotonia is when the muscles are looser than normal, while hypertonia is when the muscles are stiffer and tighter than normal. Such symptoms could be indicative of neurological conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to see a pediatric neurologist for your child's health. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in managing neurological problems and help your child live a healthier life.

Pediatric neurology doctors are here to help children live healthy and happy lives. If you have concerns about your child's health, you can take the right steps by getting expert advice.