Pediatric Neurology

Pediatric Neurology is a branch of specialization that diagnoses and treats brain, spinal cord, nerve and muscle diseases in children aged 0-18. This department deals with neurological processes of risky babies with premature and difficult birth histories, genetic neurological diseases, headache, stroke, neuromuscular diseases, febrile and afebrile seizures, epilepsy, autism, behavioral disorders, movement disorders, brain damage due to trauma, infection, tumors and structural conditions. In medicine, this branch is also called Developmental Neurology.

Common Neurological Diseases and Conditions

Epilepsy

• Epilepsy is a chronic disease caused by abnormal discharges outside the normal electrical activity of the brain.
• It is seen more frequently in children than in adults. Genetic, metabolic, infectious and structural causes can lead to epilepsy.
• There are many options for treatment such as antiepileptic drugs, surgery and diet.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

• It is a physical disability that affects muscle movements and posture due to damage to the brain that occurs before, during and after birth.
• With early diagnosis, the child's skills can be improved and physical therapy can be started.

Neuromotor Developmental Delay

• Developmental stages such as holding your head, sitting and walking may not pass according to age.
• Gross and fine motor skills are behind compared to their peers. The reason needs to be investigated.

Autism

• It manifests itself with symptoms such as difficulty in speech, delay in social communication, repetitive behavior patterns and limited eye contact.

Muscle Diseases

• In these cases, which are usually genetic, muscle weakness is observed. It can occur in any age group from infancy onwards.

Headache

• Headaches, which are common in children, can occur for reasons such as tension-type headache, sinusitis and migraine.
• In more serious cases, it can be caused by reasons such as tumor, abscess or bleeding.

Movement Disorders

• Tics are the most common movement disorder. It can occur for various reasons such as chorea, dystonia and athetosis.

Diseases Seen in Pediatric Neurology

• Cerebral palsy
• Damages due to premature birth
• Microcephaly and Hydrocephalus
• Brain tumors
• Autism and learning disorders
• Epilepsy and febrile seizures
• Brain hemorrhage, vascular tangles and dilatations (AVM, aneurysm)
• Muscle diseases (such as SMA)
• Phenylketonuria and other metabolic diseases
• Down Syndrome and genetic disorders

Diagnostic Methods in Pediatric Neurology

• Detailed story and neurological examination: This is the most important step of the diagnostic process.
• Blood tests and imaging methods: MRI, ultrasonography.
• Electrophysiological tests: EEG, EMG.
• Metabolic screenings and genetic tests.

Biruni University Hospital Department of Pediatric Neurology provides services with its expert academic physician staff and advanced diagnostic methods. After the patient's detailed anamnesis and evaluation, a target-oriented treatment plan appropriate for the symptoms and diagnosis is prepared.