When Should a Child See a Neurologist?

If a primary care pediatrician believes a child needs more focused treatment for a neurological condition, they will refer the patient to a specialist. A doctor may recommend a child see a pediatric neurologist if they experience a host of symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Imbalance
• Memory loss
• General pain
• Trouble walking or moving
• Development delay
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Persistent, severe headaches
• Numbness, tingling, or other abnormal sensations
• Issues with coordination and fine motor skills
• Loss of consciousness with seemingly no origin
• Involuntary jerks, tics, or twitches

What to Expect during a Neurological Exam

As with any other medical process, a neurological exam can be a daunting experience for children and teens. Understanding what occurs during a visit to a pediatric neurologist beforehand can help ease some anxiety for patients. While each neurological exam differs slightly, most will include the following aspects:

Balance and Motor Function

A neurologist may ask a child to walk a short distance to test a child’s balance and coordination. They may also tell them to stand with their eyes closed and push them gently on each side. The doctor may have the patient jump, skip, or hop to assess their motor function. Another motor test includes asking the child to squeeze the physician’s fingers or push and pull their hands.

Mental Faculties

Mental abilities play a significant role in neurology. A pediatric neurologist uses various techniques to evaluate how a child interacts with others, which can shed light on potential mental issues. For instance, they may ask the patient to answer a set of questions, follow directions to complete a task, or communicate with their parents or other children. For older children specifically, the doctor might supervise their speech to ensure it is clear and coherent.

Sensations

These tests examine how a child experiences different sensations. The neurologist will place instruments, like cotton swabs and dull needles, against their skin and ask the child to describe the feeling.

Muscle Reflexes

Reflex tests evaluate how the spinal cord and peripheral nerves function. The doctor will take a medical hammer and strike it gently against the knee or elbow to assess the reflex arc between the nerves that cause muscle contractions. No reaction suggests the child has a nerve problem, while an exaggerated response signifies a spinal injury. With that said, more extreme reactions can be ordinary for some kids.

Cranial Nerves

People have 12 primary cranial nerves that dictate how the brain functions. Pediatric neurologists may look at these nerves to diagnose and treat their patients. The 12 nerves include:

• Abducens
• Accessory
• Facial
• Hypoglossal
• Glossopharyngeal
• Oculomotor
• Olfactory
• Optic
• Trigeminal
• Trochlear
• Vagus
• Vestibular cochlear

Visit a Pediatric Neurologist at Memorial Healthcare

Patients throughout mid-Michigan trust Memorial Healthcare for compassionate pediatric neurology. The non-profit hospital has more than 200 medical professionals on staff and serves nearly 30,000 emergency patients, 200,000 outpatients, and 3,800 inpatients. Additionally, the providers at Memorial Healthcare continually work with patients, community leaders, and residents to augment care services. Contact us today to learn more about pediatric neurology.