Short answers are below; each links to the detailed page on that topic.
Making an appointment
When should we see a pediatric neurologist?
When your child is not developing in line with their age (sitting, walking, talking), loses skills they had before, has had a seizure or unexplained “spacing out” episodes, has recurring headaches, has stuttering that has lasted longer than 12 months, or has activity and inattention that get in the way of learning. Signs by age are listed in the guide for parents.
Do we need a referral?
No, you can book directly. If the pediatrician has written a note, bring it.
Should a premature baby be seen even without any complaints?
Yes. Babies born prematurely, with a low birth weight, or who spent time in intensive care should be followed by a neurologist on a set plan in the first months. More
The exam
How does the exam go, and how long does it take?
A conversation (the complaint, pregnancy and birth, development, family history) and a neurological exam suited to the child's age. In babies, the doctor looks at muscle tone, reflexes, head circumference, fontanelle and spontaneous movements; in older children, coordination, movement, speech and behavior. It usually takes 30–40 minutes.
Is the exam painful?
No. A neurological exam consists of looking, touching and simple tasks. Checking reflexes sometimes surprises a child, but it does not hurt.
What should we bring?
Previous results, an EEG or MRI, a list of medications, the birth summary and, most important of all, a video of a seizure or strange movement.
EEG and other tests
What is an EEG, and when is it needed?
An EEG records the brain's electrical activity. It is indicated after a first seizure without fever, for recurring “spacing out” episodes, to confirm an epilepsy diagnosis, and to monitor treatment. In headache, developmental delay or ADHD, an EEG “just in case” is usually not needed. EEG testing
An EEG showed a “change.” Is that epilepsy?
Not always. Healthy children can also have small changes on an EEG. The diagnosis is made from the clinical picture, not from the EEG alone. That is why an EEG done without a referral often creates unnecessary worry.
When is an MRI needed?
When the exam finds focal (one-sided) signs, morning headaches with vomiting, regression in development, unusual growth of the head circumference or a focal seizure. A routine MRI is not indicated in a simple febrile seizure or typical migraine.
Seizures
What should I do if my child has a seizure?
Lay your child on their side, move hard objects away, and put something soft under the head. Do not put anything in the mouth and do not try to hold the movements back. Note the time and, if you can, record a video. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, repeats, or your child does not come around, call 103.
Is a febrile seizure epilepsy?
No. A simple febrile seizure occurs with fever between 6 months and 5 years of age, and in most children it does not turn into epilepsy. More
Treatment and follow-up
Does a neurologist always prescribe medication?
No. Benign sleep myoclonus, shuddering attacks, simple febrile seizures, early stuttering and transient tics usually need no medication. When medication is needed, the purpose, dose, duration and monitoring plan are explained in advance.
For how many years is epilepsy medication taken?
Usually, after a seizure-free period of 2 years, gradually stopping the medication is discussed, taking the EEG and the clinical situation into account. The decision is made together with the doctor; stopping medication on your own can cause seizures to return.
Speech-language therapist, psychologist, physical therapist: who does my child need?
A speech-language therapist for stuttering and speech delay; a psychologist and a special educator for ADHD and autism spectrum disorder; a physical therapist for cerebral palsy and motor delay. The neurologist makes the diagnosis, builds the plan and coordinates the team.
How do you track results?
At each visit the developmental milestones, head circumference and, if there are any, the seizure diary are recorded. The time of the next visit is set according to the situation: usually every 1–3 months for babies and every 3–6 months for stable epilepsy.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Aynura IbrahimovaLast updated:
The information on this page is for education only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you are worried about your child, book an appointment. In an emergency, call 103.