Neurosciences Specialists at The Children's Hospital

The Children's Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life of children with neurological problems. Our entire team delivers family-centered care to all our patients and their families. We provide neurological services to children and promote research at all levels to improve neurological care in the future. We also participate in the training of medical students, pediatric residents, general neurology residents, child neurology residents and specialty fellows within the area of child neurology. Our team includes:

Doctors

Board-certified Pediatric Neurologist

Pediatric Neurology is the medical subspecialty devoted to children who have developmental, learning, attention or hyperactivity disorders as well as tic disorders, seizures, headaches, tumors, or other problems of the brain, nerves, or muscles. Pediatric neurologists have completed ten years of postgraduate medical training including four years of medical school, three years of pediatric residency, one year of neurology internship, and two years of a pediatric neurology fellowship. All of our pediatric neurologists hold academic positions and are board certified in both pediatrics and neurology with special competency in child neurology.

Board-certified Pediatric Neurosurgeon

Pediatric Neurosurgeons undergo a rigorous training program, consisting of approximately ten years of postgraduate medical study. If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a pediatric neurosurgeon, you can be assured that he or she has the widest range of treatment options, the most extensive and complete training, and the greatest expertise in dealing with children and in treating neurosurgical problems. A pediatric neurosurgeon will provide the diagnostic and surgical interventions in a hospital that has the support services, pediatric physicians, and nurses necessary for the care of your child. Children with special needs require that the pediatric neurosurgeon work closely with the primary care pediatrician and the pediatric specialist to provide coordinated and comprehensive care of the child.

Epileptologist

An epileptologist is a neurologist with a dedicated interest and subspecialty practice in the field of epilepsy. Epileptologists have received additional fellowship training beyond their neurology residency learning the art of epilepsy care and electroencephalogram (EEG) interpretation, with particular emphasis on video-EEG interpretation and the clinical management of patients with epilepsy and spells, including optimal treatment with a broad range of antiepileptic drugs, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and epilepsy surgery.

Other Specialists

Neonatologist

Infants who are born prematurely sometimes have neurological problems as their brains have not fully developed. We work with the physicians in the intensive care nurseries to take care of babies who need special treatments.

Neuro-Oncologist

A neuro-oncologist is a physician who has specialized training in treating brain tumors with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The neuro-oncologist meets with the patient and family to discuss all treatment options. The neuro-oncologist assesses the patient's condition before and after surgery and works closely with the nurse associate in following the patient through chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Treatment protocols and trials with new anti-cancer agents are organized by the neuro-oncologist. The Children's Hospital Neuro-Oncology program is able to evaluate the most recent medications and other advanced treatments showing promise in treating tumors.

Physiatrist

A Physiatrist is a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists treat a wide range of problems from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries. They see patients in all age groups and treat problems that touch upon all the major systems in the body. These specialists focus on restoring function to people. To become a physiatrist, individuals must successfully complete four years of graduate medical education and four additional years of postdoctoral residency training. Residency training includes one year spent developing fundamental clinical skills and three additional years of training in the full scope of the specialty.

Neuro-Psychologist

A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who specializes in studying brain behavior relationships. Neuropsychologists have extensive training in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. Some neuropsychologists specialize in research while other neuropsychologists specialize in evaluating and treating people who are thought to have something wrong with the way in which their nervous system is functioning. Neuropsychologists study brain behavior relationships under very specific circumstances which are both controlled and standardized. As a general rule, Neuro-Psychologists use tests which have been validated and which have been shown to have acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity.

Nurses

Registered Nurse (RN)

A Registered Nurses (RN), regardless of specialty or work setting, performs basic duties that include treating patients, educating patients and the public about various medical conditions, and providing advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. RNs record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help to perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illness or injury, including post-treatment home care needs, diet and exercise programs, and self-administration of medication and physical therapy. Some RNs also are trained to provide grief counseling to family members of critically ill patients. RNs can specialize in one or more patient care specialties.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

A PNP is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and has specialized in the care of children. A PNP is licensed to see patients for assessment, treatment, and follow-up.

Registered Neurodiagnostic Technologists (R.EEG.T.)

A neurodiagnostic technologist performs non-invasive diagnostic procedures on the nervous system. The diagnostic procedure performed most often is electroencephalography (EEG), which measures the electrical activity (microvolts) of the brain. The majority of neurodiagnostic technologists will also perform evoked potential tests which diagnose nervous system disturbances in the visual, auditory, and somatosensory pathways. Other diagnostic procedures may include brain mapping, nerve conduction velocity, surgical monitoring, telemetry and ambulatory recording, polysomnography, and more.

Other Staff

Clinical Social Worker

A Clinical Social Worker (CSW) provides emotional support, care coordination, and resource assistance for families.

Nutritionist

A nutritionist (dietitian) provides consultation, evaluation, and diet instruction to parents and children – for those who are well or those who need special therapeutic diets for chronic conditions.