Division of Pediatric Neuroscience

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why does my child need a pediatric neurologist?

A pediatric neurologist is a doctor specializing in the treatment of infants, children and teens who have conditions that affect the brain, the spinal cord, or other parts of the nervous system. Examples include seizure disorders, head injuries, cerebral palsy, headaches, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep disorders, stroke, neuromuscular disorders, as well as developmental disorders such as autism.

A pediatric neurologist’s extensive training in children’s medical care allows him or her to monitor your child’s mental and physical development throughout every stage of infancy, childhood and adolescence. Training for this medical specialty consists of four years of medical school, one to two years of pediatric residency, and three or more years of residency training in neurology. Most pediatric neurologists are board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Pediatrics.

Pediatric neurologists often work closely with other specialists, such as your child’s primary pediatrician, physical therapist or occupational therapist. If surgical treatment is necessary, your child’s pediatric neurologist can coordinate care with a qualified pediatric neurosurgeon who can perform the operation on your child.

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Why does my child need a pediatric physiatrist?

If your child has a birth defect, physical injury, developmental delay or neurological condition that causes pain or disability, it may be necessary to consult a doctor who specializes in the restoration of physical function and is able to coordinate and prescribe the necessary therapies, medications for the treatment of spasticity, braces and other special adaptive equipment, as necessary. This type of doctor is called a physiatrist, and those who specialize in treating children are called pediatric physiatrists.

The field of physiatry is also known as physical and rehabilitation medicine. After completion of medical school, doctors who desire training in this specialty will undergo a three- to four-year program of residency training in physiatry. Board certification is granted by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Either an additional fellowship program in pediatric rehabilitation or the result of a combined residency in pediatrics and physiatry will equip the physician to address children with special needs.

Physiatrists frequently work as part of an interdisciplinary team alongside other medical professionals, such as neurologists, neurosurgeons, geneticists, pediatricians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, social workers and the like.

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Why does my child need a pediatric neurosurgeon?

A pediatric neurosurgeon is a doctor specializing in the surgical treatment of infants, children and teens who have conditions that affect the brain, the spinal cord, or other parts of the nervous system. Some of these conditions, such as spinal deformities, may be present from birth, and others, such as gait abnormalities or brain injuries, may develop later.

Training consists of four years of medical school, a one-year surgical internship, and a minimum of five years as a resident in neurological surgery, with an additional year of fellowship training in pediatric neurosurgery. Pediatric neurosurgeons are board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and the American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery. 

The intensive, pediatric-focused training is important because growing children have special needs that are very different from those of fully formed adults with similar neurological conditions. In many cases, children will require ongoing observation over a period of years so that the doctor can determine if all developmental milestones are being met. 

Last but not least, pediatric neurosurgeons practice in settings that are expressly designed to meet the needs of children. From the medical equipment to the waiting room amenities, every aspect of your pediatric neurosurgeon’s office was created from a kid-friendly perspective to enhance your child’s physical and emotional comfort.

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Why does my child need a pediatric geneticist?

Pediatric geneticists are doctors who specialize in the study of hereditary conditions and genetic abnormalities. They provide counseling to patients and family members, and they recommend tests to determine the likelihood that a particular condition will manifest itself in current and future generations.

Training for this specialty consists of four years of medical school, two or more years of pediatric residency training and two or more years of extra training in medical genetics. Certification is granted by the American Board of Medical Genetics and the American Board of Pediatrics.

Birth defects, fetal alcohol syndrome, sickle cell disease, fragile X syndrome and cystic fibrosis are just a few of the many disorders that are influenced by genetic factors. Working hand in hand with other specialists, pediatric geneticists can help young patients and their families obtain a fuller understanding of the risk factors, treatment options and prognosis for a genetic disorder.

For more information about the Pediatric Neuroscience Program, contact us at
(954) 985-2358.

For referral to a physician for your child, please call Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Physician Referral Service toll-free at (866) JDCH-DOC. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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