Neurologists treat disorders that impact the central and peripheral nervous system, which includes the brain, peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and muscles. When the system malfunctions, neurological disorders can happen. A pediatric neurologist in New York treats children who suffer from any of the following disorders.
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Seizures
Children between the age of 6 months and 5 years are prone to febrile seizures. Thankfully, these seizures do not cause long-term problems. Research reveals that most children who have this type of seizure don’t develop epilepsy or other neurological issues. If your child has other kinds of seizures, they must visit a neurologist.
Headaches
Your pediatrician can treat your child’s headache in many ways. But, if you cannot get the debilitating headaches under control, visit a neurologist. You must do so if your child’s headache is very frequent, changing, or worsening. Also, headaches accompanied by neurological dysfunction symptoms such as confusion, numbness, weakness, or vision loss prompt a visit to a neurologist.
Developmental Delay
Your child is unique and your pediatrician can pick up development issues along the way. If your child has more than one development issue, they must get further screening. Your pediatrician will get this started; however, it often includes an assessment by a neurologist. You must especially see a pediatric neurologist if your child is experiencing a regression.
Weakness
Strokes can impact children at any point in childhood. Also, children can experience weakness because of other diseases like myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophy. Some of them show symptoms of weakness including delayed motor milestones, early handedness, and problems doing tasks like running or climbing. If your child has been diagnosed with weakness, they must see a neurologist for the right treatment.
Abnormal Movements
Usually, children tend to move in many ways, more than adults. As your child grows, they may develop movement habits every time they feel excited, bored, or startled. These movements are known as stereotypies that include hand flapping. Your pediatrician can determine if the movements of your little one are a form of stereotypies. If your child is diagnosed with these conditions and they are fine, they don’t have to visit a neurologist. Involuntary repetitive movements or sounds known as tics are also abnormal movements. If your child has had more than one motor or vocal tic for over a year, they may have Tourette syndrome. If you are worried your child has this condition, you must visit a pediatric neurologist. Generally, your child must be evaluated if they have involuntary movements or moving issues that interfere with their day-to-day life.