Harlori Bains, MD, a contracted provider of Memorial Healthcare Institute for Neuroscience, specializes in pediatric neurology and has expertise in multiple conditions that children may face. Children and their families in Shiawassee County area and surrounding areas rely on Dr. Bains’ expertise to diagnose and treat various neurological conditions.

What Is Pediatric Neurology?

Pediatric neurology is a separate branch of pediatrics that focuses on brain, spine, muscle, blood vessel, and autonomic and peripheral nervous system issues in children of all ages, from newborns to adolescents. Pediatric neurologists have the skills necessary to treat a host of conditions, ranging from common ailments to more complex and rare disorders. Some neurological issues these medical professionals diagnose and treat include:

  • Migraines and headaches
  • Autism spectrum conditions
  • Epilepsy
  • Brain tumors
  • Tourette’s syndrome
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral struggles
  • Congenital nervous system diseases
  • Genetic metabolic problems impacting the nervous system
  • Neuromuscular disorders like muscular dystrophy
  • Spina bifida and other birth defects affecting the brain and spine
  • Challenges with neurological development during childhood
  • Cerebral palsy and other movement issues
  • Febrile seizures
  • Challenges with mental development, such as learning and speech disabilities
  • Head injuries and associated complications
  • Neurodegenerative disorders
  • Fluid build-up in the brain (hydrocephalus)
  • Vascular neurology
  • Intellectual impediments
  • Sleep issues

A child may only see a pediatric neurologist for a short time if they have an acute condition. Conversely, patients with chronic neurological disorders may see these specialists almost as often as they do a primary care provider. Pediatric neurologists frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals to deliver the most effective care to their patients. Pediatric neurologists serve in numerous medical settings, including hospitals, physician’s practices, private clinics, and university healthcare centers.

About Dr. Harlori Bains

Dr. Bains is a board-certified physician who joined Memorial Healthcare Institute from Neuroscience from Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. She attended medical school at Wayne State University in Detroit and completed her residency in pediatric neurology at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Maricopa Medical Center in Arizona. Additionally, she participated in a neuroimmunology fellowship at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.

Dr. Bains is a member of the Board of Trustees for National Multiple Sclerosis Society–Michigan Chapter and has written several published research and medical articles. She has special knowledge of the following neurological conditions:

  • Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
  • Acute flaccid myelitis
  • Autoimmune encephalitis
  • Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)
  • Transverse myelitis

Dr. Bains is currently accepting new patients with most insurances.

 

Questions About Pediatric Neurology?

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Memorial is such an amazing place with caring qualified professionals that go out of their way to ensure all of their patients are safe and satisfied! Such a gem in our community!
- Nick Terek

Additional Information

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Harlori Bains, MD

Neurology About

Locations

819 N. Shiawassee Street
NOW Building - 1st Floor
Owosso MI 48867

Phone: 989-723-1390 Fax: 989-725-1415

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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.

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Images from MHC Shoot

Obtain Pediatric Neurology Care From Memorial Healthcare

To learn more about the pediatric neurological services and available patient resources, contact us today.