Pediatric Neurology

Pediatric neurology is a specialized field that deals with diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nervous system, and muscles in children from infancy to adolescence. This department conducts neurological examinations of children, plans necessary tests, and implements appropriate treatment plans.

What is Pediatric Neurology?

Pediatric neurology is a medical specialty that studies health conditions related to the brain, spinal cord, nervous system, and muscles in children from infancy to adolescence. Childhood is a period of rapid development of the nervous system. Therefore, neurological conditions in children are addressed differently than in adults.

Pediatric neurologists evaluate not only illnesses but also whether a child is developing appropriately for their age. Many areas are examined within this scope, including movement, balance, speech, learning, and behavior. Information obtained from the family, the child's history, and their daily behavior are also included in the evaluation. If deemed necessary, additional tests may be requested for a more detailed examination.

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What Diseases Does Pediatric Neurology Treat?

Pediatric neurology deals with the diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases affecting the brain, nervous system, and muscles in children. The most frequently evaluated diseases are:

• Epilepsy (seizure disorder): Seizures are a neurological disorder characterized by episodes of staring, fainting, or involuntary muscle contractions.
• Developmental delay: This is a condition where a child completes developmental milestones such as sitting, walking, and talking later than their peers.
• Cerebral palsy: A condition that causes problems with movement and muscle control due to brain damage before or after birth.
• Muscle diseases: These are diseases characterized by muscle weakness, easy fatigue, and limited mobility.
• Headache and migraine: This section explores the causes of recurrent headaches that affect daily life.
• Attention deficit and learning disabilities: Attention deficit, concentration problems, and learning difficulties are evaluated from a neurological perspective.
• Autism spectrum disorder: It is a developmental condition characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviors.
• Movement disorders and tics: These are neurological conditions characterized by involuntary movements, tremors, or convulsions.
• Fainting and loss of consciousness: The underlying causes of temporary loss of consciousness or episodes of staring are investigated.
• Nervous system infections: Neurological effects developing after meningitis or encephalitis are monitored in this field.
• Neurological problems related to sleep:Seizures, convulsions, or abnormal movements during sleep are evaluated.
• Genetic and neurometabolic diseases:Diagnosis and monitoring of congenital diseases affecting the nervous system are performed.

What tests are performed in the Pediatric Neurology Department?

Tests performed in the pediatric neurology department are assessments planned according to the child's complaint and help in diagnosis. The most commonly used tests are:

• EEG (Electroencephalography): It is the most basic test for measuring the electrical activity of the brain. It is particularly used in the classification of epilepsy and seizures. It can be administered as sleep, wakefulness, or 24-hour video monitoring.
• EMG (Electromyography): It evaluates the function of muscles and the nerves that supply them. It is vital in diagnosing muscle weakness, gait disorders, and nerve compressions.
• Cranial MRI (Brain MRI): This is a radiological method that images brain tissue, vascular structures, and the spinal cord in the finest detail. It is the gold standard for detecting tumors, cysts, brain developmental anomalies, and white matter diseases.
• VEP, BERA, and SEP (evoked potentials):These tests measure the brain's response speed to visual (VEP), auditory (BERA), and tactile (SEP) stimuli. They are used to detect damage in nerve conduction pathways.
• Computed Tomography (CT): It is an imaging method used to quickly assess brain structure, especially in emergency situations.
• Developmental Tests: It assesses whether the child's motor, language, cognitive, and social development is appropriate for their age.
• Lumbar puncture (cerebrospinal fluid analysis): A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is taken by inserting a special needle into the lower back. This is used to diagnose infections such as meningitis, metabolic diseases, or certain tumors.
• Metabolic and genetic tests: In cases of intellectual disability or unexplained neurological findings, the child's genetic makeup and enzyme levels are examined through blood, urine, or tissue samples.

What treatment methods are used in the Pediatric Neurology Department?

Treatment methods applied in the pediatric neurology department are planned according to the age, developmental level, existing neurological disease, and severity of symptoms of the infant, child, or adolescent.

Treatment methods may include a wide range of approaches such as medication, seizure control, supportive interventions for muscle and movement disorders, developmental therapies, nutrition-based treatments, injections, rehabilitation programs, and, in advanced cases, referral to surgery.

• Drug treatment: For conditions like epilepsy, migraines, attention deficits, and movement disorders, personalized medications are used to control symptoms.
• Epilepsy and seizure treatments: Treatments are planned according to the type of seizure, aiming to reduce the frequency and control of seizures.
• Ketogenic diet: A special nutritional program used in cases of drug-resistant epilepsy to reduce seizures.
• Botulinum toxin (injection) treatments: It helps improve mobility in children with muscle stiffness (spasticity) by relaxing the muscles.
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation: It is used to increase muscle strength, improve balance, and support movement skills.
• Speech and language therapy: It supports language development in children who experience speech delays or communication problems.
• Developmental support and special education: It encompasses educational programs designed to improve learning, attention, and social skills.
• Referral for surgery: If necessary, referral to pediatric neurosurgery is made for further evaluation.
• Treatment of movement disorders: Medications and supportive methods are used to gain control over tics, tremors, and involuntary movements.
• Treatments for muscle diseases: Supportive treatments are administered to preserve muscle strength and slow the progression of the disease.