A neuropediatrician is a pediatrician who has specialized in treating specific pathologies of the nervous system of newborn children, infants and adolescents.
In addition, the neuropediatrician pays special attention to neurodevelopment and the interferences that may occur due to disease, whether neurological or not. In the same line, he also studies how the nervous system gradually matures and how capacities are progressively acquired, concluding with the full autonomy reached in adulthood.
What pathologies or diseases does a neuropediatrician treat?
The scope of action of a neuropediatrician includes a wide range of complex diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. The most common pathologies include the following:
- Epilepsy
- Paroxysmal non-epileptic disorders
- Headache and headaches
- ADHD
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Infantile Cerebral Palsy
- Prematurity
- Intellectual Disability
- Childhood Tics
- Nervous system malformations
- Other diseases
Many of the problems and diseases treated by neuropediatricians have repercussions in many areas of life, so the neuropediatrician should coordinate with other professionals in the social and educational fields.
When should I see a neuropediatrician?
The neuropediatrician should be consulted when the following recommendations or guidelines exist:
- The pediatrician has recommended it
- The child has or has had some type of seizure.
- The child has a persistent headache, which grows in intensity and may be accompanied by vomiting that awakens the child during the night.
- There is a motor or language delay or stoppage.
- There is a suspicion that the child has a learning disorder, ADHD or autism.
- There is some kind of doubt about the child’s development and you want information or advice about it.
What is a consultation with the neuropediatrician like?
In order to make a correct diagnosis, the neuropediatrician must know the reason for the visit. Subsequently, he/she will ask for a narrative about how the problem originated and how it has developed, including diagnostic tests and previous treatments. Subsequently, questions will be asked about gestation and delivery, possible illnesses and development.
A physical examination should also be carried out to evaluate muscle strength, sensitivity, coordination and balance, reflexes… On other occasions, the specialist may request information about the family situation, habits…