Pediatric neurology is a subspecialty of pediatric medicine, the branch of medicine that deals with the care of young children. The specialty is based on the understanding that brain and nervous system disorders are very common in children and that early diagnosis and treatment lead to better patient outcomes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has designated a pediatric neurologist New York as a Primary Care Neurologist (PCN).
Who is a pediatric neurologist?
Pediatric neurologists are trained to diagnose and treat neurological disorders in infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Pediatric neurologists are primary care physicians specializing in children’s health and providing care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. They also provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for children with physical symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or developmental delays.
Qualities to look for in a pediatric neurologist
- Experience
If you want to hire a pediatric neurologist, ensure they have experience treating children with cerebral palsy and other developmental disorders. They will also help you diagnose and treat seizures, migraines, headaches, and other medical conditions that a brain injury or illness can cause.
- Customer service
To get the best pediatric neurologist, you need to search for one willing to answer all your questions and concerns, even if they are unrelated to the condition being treated. The pediatric neurologist should explain the treatment plan clearly in terms that you can understand so that you can make an informed decision about treatment options. They should also be willing to discuss any questions or concerns you have about their diagnosis and treatment plans with you.
- Diversity of services offered
Pediatric neurologists are responsible for diagnosing and treating children with neurological disorders. They can also provide care for children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, and motor skill issues. Pediatric neurologists are particularly skilled at assessing and treating brain development conditions. In addition to their medical expertise, pediatric neurologists should have advanced developmental psychology and behavioral science training.
- The scope of practice
The scope of practice of a pediatric neurologist is wide, including many different areas of medicine. This can include things such as:
- Physician-in-training (PIT)
- Pediatric neurology
- Epilepsy/seizure disorders
- Developmental disabilities/mental retardation
- Board certification
The Board of Neurological Surgery (BNS) certifies physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the nervous system in children under 18 years old that require surgical intervention. Board certification is voluntary for pediatric neurologists who wish to practice medicine in the United States.
- The location
Consider location when looking for a pediatric neurologist. Most of the doctors in this field work at hospitals, so it is best if you can find one who works at a hospital with a specialized department for children’s diseases. If you want to move somewhere other than your current location, talk to your doctor before making any decisions.
Pediatric neurologists are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of neurological disorders in children between the ages of birth and 18 years. These include brain tumors, epilepsy, strokes, cerebrovascular diseases, hydrocephalus, mitochondrial diseases, neuromuscular disorders, and more. If you want your child to access quality medical attention, contact NY Neurology Associates experts!
