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Pediatric Neurologist in New Jersey: Expert Child Neurology Care at NJPNI

Board-certified pediatric neurologist at NJPNI examining a child

Pediatric Neurology

Families or pediatricians who have a neurologic concern about a child can refer the child to our neurology team for a comprehensive neurologic evaluation. We offer a child-centered approach that utilizes the latest technologies and techniques. Our emphasis is on a thorough workup using the latest technology to get to the root causes of the symptoms and then multidisciplinary approaches to treat the whole child.

We specialize in treating children with:

Our board-certified pediatric neurologists diagnose and treat the full range of childhood neurological conditions, from common concerns like headaches and tics to complex disorders of the brain and nervous system. Common reasons families come to us include:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A pediatric neurologist plays an important role in evaluating children with autism spectrum disorder - identifying co-occurring neurological conditions (such as seizures, tics, or sleep problems), guiding diagnosis, and coordinating care. Our team offers thorough neurological evaluation, in-office neurocognitive testing, and a multidisciplinary plan tailored to your child's development, strengths, and needs.

  • ADHD & Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related neurodevelopmental differences affect attention, learning, and behavior. Our pediatric neurologists provide comprehensive evaluation, neurocognitive testing to pinpoint how your child thinks and learns, and evidence-based management - including, when appropriate, pharmacogenomic testing to guide safer, more effective medication choices.

  • Headaches & Migraines

Recurrent headaches and migraines are among the most common reasons children see a neurologist. We identify triggers and root causes, rule out serious problems, and build a management plan that helps your child get back to school and play.

  • Seizures & Epilepsy

Seizures and epilepsy require specialized pediatric care. Our Pediatric Epilepsy Center offers full EEG testing, medication management, ketogenic diet, VNS therapy, and surgical evaluation for children with hard-to-control seizures.

  • Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury

Concussions are brain injuries that fall under neurological care. Our New Jersey Concussion Center provides ImPACT testing, EEG when indicated, and a structured return-to-learn and return-to-play protocol.

  • Tics, Tourette Syndrome & Movement Disorders

We evaluate and manage tics, Tourette syndrome, and other movement disorders, distinguishing benign patterns from those that need treatment and supporting families with a clear plan.

  • Other conditions we treat

Microcephaly, stroke in children, autonomic disorders (fainting/syncope), developmental delay, and neurological complications of genetic and vascular conditions. If you're unsure whether your child's symptoms need a neurologist, our team can help you decide.

Our Board-Certified Pediatric Neurology Team uses the most advanced technology and resources to provide each child with individualized treatment. In office we have Neurocognitive Testing, Autonomic Testing and Pharmacogenomics. We see families at 6 convenient NJ locations and via telemedicine.

Latest Technological Advancements in Pediatric Neurology

Neurocognitive Testing

What is Neurocognitive Testing?

 Neurocognitive Testing is an assessment procedure that utilizes scientifically validated, objective, and reliable computerized neuropsychological tests to evaluate the neurocognitive status of patients. The testing covers a range of mental processes from simple motor performance, attention, and memory, to executive functions. Age-standardized scoring of the assessment eliminates variability and rater bias. The assessment can be repeated over time to monitor progression of disease and/or response to treatment. A pattern of your child's strengths and weaknesses can be developed and the information is used to help diagnose the type of epilepsy and plan treatment. The evaluation will assess:
  • Attention and concentration
  • Executive function skills, such as problem solving, abstract reasoning and mental flexibility
  • Intellectual functioning
  • Language
  • Learning and memory
  • Mood and personality
  • Motor skills
  • Visual-spatial skills, such as perception

What should you bring to the Neurocognitive Test?

The neurocognitive testing platform we use is entirely computerized-based. Be sure that if your child needs glasses, that he/she brings them on the day of the test. Ensure that your child had a good night sleep the night before the examination. 

If your child is on medications, be sure you know whether or not the medications are supposed to be given that day.

The entire testing should take around one hour. At the next visit, you will receive a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the test.

Autonomic Testing

Autonomic testing for children at NJPNI

What is Autonomic Testing?

Autonomic testing is a neurologic procedure in which the function of the autonomic nervous system is evaluated. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that controls your breathing, your blood pressure, your heart rate, the movement of your gastrointestinal tract, your skin temperature, and numerous other functions.

What happens during Autonomic Testing?

Autonomic testing, as performed at New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute, is actually comprised of two distinct tests:  Sympathetic Testing (Sudomotor Testing) and Parasympathetic Testing (Heart Rate Variability Testing and Valsalva Testing).

During Sudomotor Testing, wires with a sticky end are attached to the hand.  An electric pulse (so small that you will not even feel it) is sent through the wire to test whether there is a “sudomotor” response.  Such a response is one sign of a healthy autonomic nervous system.

During Heart Rate Variability Testing, those same wires with sticky ends are placed on your chest, over your heart.  No electric pulses are used.  Rather, the wires are used simply to monitor your heart rate.  You will be asked to remain lying down and relaxed for a few minutes.  Then, you will be asked to breath slowly and deeply for a few minutes. During the Valsalva portion of the testing, you will be asked to exhale forcefully.   

Is Autonomic Testing painful?

Autonomic Testing is not painful.  There are no needles and no radiation.  

Why do I need Autonomic Testing?

Autonomic Testing evaluates the autonomic nervous system (ANS).  This may help your physician to diagnose any problems with your ANS, to understand what parts of your ANS are working well, and which parts of your ANS are not working well.  The testing may also be used if you are being treated for a problem with your ANS and to monitor that treatment. 

How do I get results of the Autonomic Testing?

Your physician who ordered the testing will go over the results with you.  The results will be available to your physician around one week after you complete the evaluation.  

PREPARATION FOR THE TESTING

(1)   Clothing: 

  1. Shirt: The shirt should be short-sleeved and easy to lift up or unbutton.
  2. Any undergarments should not have wiring/metal

(2)   Do not wear any lotions on your skin

(3)   If you have a pacemaker, vagal nerve stimulator, or implantable device, please let the technician know prior to your procedure.

Pharmacogenomics

What is Pharmacogenics?

There are over 270 medications containing warnings, precautions and dosage recommendations based on specific gene variants. Your body has unique ways of responding to treatment based on your DNA. Pharmacogenomics is a state-of-the-art tool in personalizing your treatment.

Genetic Testing

Why do Genetic Testing?

Many neurologic disorders have a genetics component. We work with a genetics team that can search through all of your child’s and family’s DNA to try to get to the root cause of the symptoms Ask the Pediatric Neurology team at your next visit.

Visit the Pediatric Epilepsy Center for more informationGenetic testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a pediatric neurologist do?

A pediatric neurologist diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain, spine, nerves, and muscles in children - including seizures and epilepsy, headaches and migraines, autism, ADHD, tics, developmental delay, concussion, and more. At NJPNI, evaluation is supported by in-office neurocognitive, autonomic, pharmacogenomic, and genetic testing.

When should my child see a pediatric neurologist?

Consider a referral for recurrent headaches, seizures or staring spells, developmental delays, tics, fainting, concussion symptoms, or concerns about autism or ADHD. Your pediatrician can refer, or you can request an appointment directly.

Do you evaluate children with autism?

Yes. Our pediatric neurologists evaluate children with autism spectrum disorder, identify co-occurring neurological conditions such as seizures or sleep problems, and coordinate a multidisciplinary plan with in-office neurocognitive testing.

Can a pediatric neurologist help with ADHD?

Yes. We provide comprehensive ADHD evaluation, neurocognitive testing to understand how your child learns and focuses, and evidence-based management - including pharmacogenomic testing to guide medication when appropriate.

Do you offer telemedicine or second opinions?

Yes. We offer telemedicine visits for many concerns and provide second opinions for complex pediatric neurology cases. Call (973) 326-9000 to ask what's right for your child.

Where are your pediatric neurology offices in New Jersey?

We see families across NJ in Morris, Bergen, Monmouth, Union, and Mercer counties - Morristown, Rockaway, Hackensack, Hazlet, Garwood, and Hamilton.

NJPNI Office Locations

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Caring for your child's well-being is our number one priority. 
Schedule an appointment with a world-class pediatric neurology and neurosurgery team at NJPNI now.
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NOTICE: This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for a patient/physician relationship.

NJPNI is committed to creating a culturally diverse, inclusive and collaborative community for patients and their families, employees and associates where each person is celebrated and has a sense of equal belonging. See our DEI Statement Page for more information.

NJPNI does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, or on the basis of disability or age in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits of any of its programs and activities or in employment therein. This statement is in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued pursuant to the Acts, Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations part 80, 84, and 91.

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