Pediatric Neurologist

Whose Who?

It's important to know, whose who in the medical team, that can help you and your child. This is the first of a few posts, that I wish to furnish you with, for a head start.

Always. keep an open mind. Although, the professionals may know their job well, they may not know your child as well as you. That makes you a professional, where your child is concerned. Be your child's advocate, speak for him. Have second opinions when needed, but my advice, follow your gut.

As I am a passionate mother, but not working in the medical circle, I am furnishing you with details, I got from a great book. I stumbled upon this recently, and it was truly a God sent.

Pediatric Neurologist (M.D.)

A medical doctor by education, a pediatric neurologist typically spends two additional years gaining general experience treating children and then three years training in child neurology; Pediatric neurologists can rule out other causes of speech delay through medical exams such as CAT scans, EMGs (electromyography- determines muscle diseases), and ECGs. Take your child to a pediatric neurologist is she has a serious neurological issue such as seizures, hydrocephalus, or progressive muscle weakness.

On occasion, a neurologist will suggest brain-imaging studies such as MRI. This test is typically done for children who have "focal" neurologic findings (like weakness on just one side of the body, loss of coordination, and speech/language difficulties among others).

An EEG (electroencephalograpgy) may be ordered if your child has a history of seizures, episodes of "zoning out," "autistic-like symptoms, or a regression in language skills. An EEG measures the tiny electrical currents generated by brain activity. It's possible to analyze these findings to determine which is responsible for certain cognitive tasks - like talking and understanding speech.

All of the scans are painless, but can be anxiety producing, But it's not all about imaging scans. There are some laboratory tests that can rule out metabolic diseases that can occur in children with a speech delay or hypotonia.

For further reading, do check out the library near you for this great book.

Book: Speaking of Apraxia by Leslie A. Lindsay, R. N., B.S.N.