A pediatric neurologist is a specialist in knowing how a kid's nervous system grows and develops. The central nervous system (CNS) — that's the brain and spinal cord — is like the body's main computer, running the show for thinking, moving and feeling. Then there’s the peripheral nervous system, which includes the nerves and muscles. The CNS uses this to communicate with the rest of the body, sending out movement signals and sending back sensory info.

Since a child's nervous system is still a work in progress, issues here can pop up differently than they do in adults. Pediatric neurologists have the specific expertise to figure out and handle developmental problems or disorders unique to kids.

Trust your instincts. If your child has recurring headaches, unexplained staring spells, seizures, a worsening of skills they've already mastered or movement and coordination problems, it's worth talking to a specialist. Your child's pediatrician can refer you to our pediatric neurology team.

Your child will have an entire pediatric neurology team behind them, which may consist of:

• Pediatric neurologists, specialists who help diagnose and treat children with conditions related to their nervous system.
• Advanced practice providers, including physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses.
• Pediatric neurosurgeon, a neurosurgeon who holds advanced training in the care of children.
• Neuro-ophthalmologists, specialists trained in analyzing and treating the visual symptoms of brain disease.
• Psychology and behavioral health team members, to help your child work through emotions.
• Nurses who will support your child’s care while they’re in for checkups and appointments.
• Nutritionists, who will create a nutrition plan to help manage and improve your child’s symptoms.
• Case management nurses, who are trained to answer any questions you have during your child’s care.
• Pediatric specialty pharmacists, who administer medications that treat children’s disorders and symptoms.
• Genetics specialists, who can analyze your child’s genes to determine if their symptoms are caused by genetic factors.
• Sleep medicine specialists, who diagnose and treat children’s sleep disorders.

Treatment varies widely depending on the condition and your child specifically. Options may include medications to manage symptoms; dietary therapy, such as a ketogenic diet for epilepsy; cognitive-behavioral therapy; and immunotherapy. In some cases, surgery, such as epilepsy surgery or vagal nerve stimulation, may be appropriate. For spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), powerful gene therapy and precision medicine could be needed. Your child's team will build a plan that weighs all of these options and considers your child's diagnosis, age and overall health.

Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical and neurological exam. To confirm a diagnosis, your pediatric neurologist may use advanced tools, including:

• Advanced diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans, PET scans and MRIs to get detailed images of the brain and spine.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) to assess electrical brain activity.
• Electromyogram/nerve conduction study to assess nerve and muscle function.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (spinal tap) for certain conditions.

Our Level IV designation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers means we offer advanced services. These include detailed diagnostic tests and a full range of treatment options, such as:

• Medication management
• Dietary therapies (like the ketogenic diet)
• Genetics evaluations
• Surgery for hard-to-treat seizures

Neuromuscular conditions affect the nerves that control your child's muscles, leading to weakness, movement difficulties and, in some cases, breathing or swallowing problems. SMA, muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders fall into this category — and while they're complex, earlier diagnosis increasingly means more treatment options.

In Pennsylvania, SMA is part of the standard newborn screening panel, which means many children are identified even before they have symptoms. And because Geisinger is a state-recognized SMA referral center, newborns with a positive SMA screen are often referred here for evaluation and care.

Very likely! Sleep disorders like narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea can have nervous system roots. They can really affect your child's mood, behavior, focus and development.

If your child is having trouble sleeping for no obvious reason, a pediatric neurologist may be the next step. Your child can feel relaxed and comfortable when they visit our Pediatric Sleep Center, a child-friendly sleep lab. We’ll collect the data we need for a personalized treatment plan for your child — so you can both rest easy.