When Should My Child See a Pediatric Neurologist?

A Pediatric Neurologist has specialized training to treat disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system in children under the age of eighteen.

Here are some examples of neurological disorders treated by a Pediatric Neurologist:

  • Behavioral Disorders, such as ADHD
  • Headaches
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Epilepsy
  • Developmental Disorders
  • Autism

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and can affect the ability of children to do well in school and with other tasks. In order to determine, if your child has ADHD, a medical examination and diagnosis is required. Some common symptoms of ADHD include: difficulty focusing, struggling to properly understand others, temper tantrums, fidgetiness, daydreaming, mistakes, and problems staying organized. If your child is experiencing some of these symptoms, it may be a good idea to have them evaluated by a pediatric neurologist to find out if ADHD is a cause of the symptoms.

Headaches are common in both children and adults. Sometimes kids may experience headaches due to certain medications, skipping meals, or dehydration. A pediatric neurologist can help determine why your child is experiencing headaches, and can help relieve the pain that comes from experiencing headaches.

Cerebral Palsy is a physical disability that affects movement. This disease can occur if there is damage to the brain during or after pregnancy. Each case of Cerebral Palsy is different and symptoms can vary from each individual. Although there currently is not a cure for Cerebral Palsy, there are ways to treat and manage this neurological disorder.

Epilepsy is a disease of the nervous system which results in seizures. It is possible for seizures to occur in both adults and children, but diagnosing seizures in children requires a more specialized approach. There are approximately 3 million Americans with Epilepsy which makes it the most common brain disorder in children. EEGs (Electroencephalograms) can be used to determine the type of seizure and the likelihood of recurrence.

Autism is an example of a developmental disorder in children. Autism is defined by having difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people. Typically, signs of autism occur in the early stages of childhood development.

Dr. Mohamad Al-Rifai is a Pediatric Neurology Specialist at Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders (TIND). He treats all aspects of Pediatric Neurology but has special interest in: childhood epilepsy, pediatric behavioral problems, developmental disorders, and childhood headaches. Dr. Al-Rifai sees patients in the following clinics: Richardson, McKinney, Sherman, Frisco, Durant, and Denison.

Our Pediatric Neurology Specialists can help make sure your child receives the compassionate neurology care they need. To schedule an appointment with our pediatric neurologists, please visit our appointment webpage and submit the web form.