When I tell people I am a pediatric neurologist, the most common question is whether or not I perform brain surgery. A neurologist and a neurosurgeon are frequently confused, and while we work closely together, our jobs are very different. So, what does a neurologist do? Neurologists specialize in the treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems, which include the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and even muscle. The nervous system is wondrously complex machinery that coordinates seamless communication between the brain and body, allowing you to sing to your children while navigating your way through heavy traffic to a new store without getting into an accident. When you think about it, it's pretty amazing!
Neurologists are medical professionals with a unique type of expertise that can help individuals facing myriad neurological issues. Specialized training in the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, as well as its pathology, allows them to effectively diagnose and treat the full range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Additionally, neurologists use imaging technologies such as MRI and CT scans to identify more complex problems. Typically they also run neurological exams which provide further information regarding disorders related to muscle weakness, paralysis movement problems, and other coordination difficulties. Therefore, if your child is experiencing any of the below symptoms it is best to visit a pediatric neurologist.
If your child is experiencing any of the following neurological symptoms then visit a pediatric neurologist
- Frequent or severe headaches or migraines
If your child experiences frequent or severe headaches and migraines, you should consider speaking to a neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system. At Children's Neurosurgery in NJ, our neurosurgeons have extensive experience diagnosing and treating children with chronic headaches or migraines. We offer a range of treatments tailored to children’s neurosurgery, from medications and lifestyle changes to neurosurgical procedures, depending on the underlying cause of your child’s headaches or migraines. Our neurosurgeons will work with you and your child to develop a treatment plan that best suits their needs.
- Problems with memory
Memory problems can occur as a result of various factors, such as traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders, and certain medications. Neurosurgeons for kids offer comprehensive services to help diagnose, treat, and manage issues related to memory problems in children. They work with neuropsychologists, neurologists, neuro geneticists, neurophysiologists, neuro-oncologists, and neuropsychiatrists to ensure that a child has access to the best care possible. Memory loss can range from mild forgetfulness to major memory impairment.
- Seizures
Seizures can be caused by several factors in many cases, the cause is unknown. Seizure symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure occurring. Common signs include convulsions, loss of consciousness or awareness, staring, lip smacking, jerking movements of the arms and legs, and confusion. Seizures can be treated with medications or surgery in extreme cases. Medications are usually used first to try to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
- Brain or spinal cord injury
Brain or spinal cord injuries can be some of the most debilitating medical conditions a person can suffer from. The effect of these injuries on a person’s ability to function normally depends on the severity of the injury itself as well as other factors such as the person’s age, existing medical conditions, and overall health. Most brain and spinal cord injuries occur due to accidents such as car crashes, falls, or sports activities. However, some can be attributed to medical errors or other causes that are not accidental.
- Problems with movement
Movement problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical impairments or illnesses, developmental delays, and psychological disturbances. Physical impairments that may contribute to movement problems include neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries; musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis or back pain; and conditions such as stroke or traumatic brain injury. Developmental delays can also lead to movement problems, as a child's motor skills may not develop at the same rate as his or her peers. Psychological disturbances such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder can also interfere with normal movement patterns.
- Numbness
Numbness is a lack of sensation or feeling in a specific area of the body. It can be caused by an injury, surgery, nerve damage, diabetes, malnutrition, and even emotional distress. Numbness can sometimes be accompanied by tingling sensations or burning pain. When numbness is localized to just one area of the body, it is known as mononeuropathy. This type of numbness can be caused by a pinched nerve or direct trauma to the affected area. If numbness affects multiple areas of the body, it is known as polyneuropathy and is usually caused by diseases like diabetes, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, or exposure to toxins.
- Clumsiness or confusion
Clumsiness and confusion can have a significant impact on our lives. It can lead to stress, frustration, and even embarrassment when we’re unable to accomplish tasks that should come easily. Fortunately, some strategies and techniques can help people manage the effects of clumsiness or confusion.
One such technique is cognitive restructuring. This involves changing the way we think about our clumsiness or confusion, helping us to view it in a more positive light and focus on what we can do instead of focusing on what we can’t do.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the previously mentioned neurological symptoms indicate that you should visit a neurologist as soon as possible. If you are located in New Jersey and are looking for pediatric neurology services, look no further than New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute. It is important to remember that timely diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions are essential, so you should not hesitate to make an appointment with a pediatric neurology professional if you or your child is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier. Taking care of neurological issues promptly can help ensure that conditions are managed effectively, improving the quality of life for those affected.
