Pediatric Neurological  Disorders We Treat

Learning that your child has a neurological disorder can cause worries about their health in the future. Our pediatric specialists are here to help.

Our team has extensive experience in identifying the signs and symptoms of neurological disorders in children. We understand that every child is different. We work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your child’s unique needs and health goals.

What are pediatric neurological disorders?

The nervous system is the brain, spinal cord and nerves, which work together to control the body. Neurological diseases and disorders are conditions that affect the nervous system. They can range from minor issues, such as a headache, to life-threatening conditions, such as stroke or seizure.

Causes of these conditions include genetic disorders, developmental issues, injuries and infections. Depending on which areas of the nervous system are affected, neurological disorders can cause problems with:

• Muscle movement
• Thinking and learning
• Speaking and swallowing
• Mood, behavior and sleep

Pediatric neurologic care at Henry Ford: Why choose us?

Children can have neurological disorders and symptoms that differ from those in adults. That’s why it’s important to seek expert, pediatric care for your child.

At Henry Ford Health, our pediatric neurologists have dedicated their careers to caring for children with even the most rare and complex neurological disorders. Highlights of our program include:

• Compassionate, family-centered approach: When your child has a health condition, it affects the entire family. We listen closely to your concerns and provide information to help you and your child understand the issues at age-appropriate levels. Your family is part of your child's care team, and our shared goal is the best possible quality of life for all.
• Extended appointments: We meet with you and your family in group visits, with one-hour appointments for all our patients — new and returning. Our team takes extra time to explain the condition, how we can help your child and what’s next for your child’s care.
• Comprehensive care: We use the latest diagnostic technologies in a thorough evaluation to confirm a diagnosis and plan your child’s treatment. Your child receives a customized care plan with treatment options ranging from medications and behavioral therapies to advanced procedures. Learn more about pediatric neurologic evaluation and treatment.
• Pediatric specialists with expertise: Our team includes highly trained experts with experience in neurology, neurosurgery, developmental pediatrics, neuropsychology, child psychiatry, neonatology (newborn care), nursing and other fields of medicine. In weekly team conferences, we review patient cases to decide together on an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Meet our team.
• Specialized autism care: We work closely with the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities for comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. Your child meets with a speech-language pathologist, a neuropsychologist and a developmental pediatrician for the evaluation, which takes place on the same day. The evaluation includes autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) testing. We also offer ongoing applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy.
• Virtual care options: We offer video visits and other virtual care options to support your child wherever you are. You and your family have access to your child’s team for quality care without the need to come in for a visit. Find out more about virtual care options at Henry Ford.

Types of neurological disorders we treat in children

More than 600 neurological disorders can affect people of all ages. Some conditions that can affect newborns, infants, children and teens include:

• Cerebral palsy: This group of disorders affects muscle control, causing difficulty with muscle movements. Cerebral palsy results from an injury or illness that affects brain development before birth.
• Seizures and epilepsy: Seizures are surges of electrical activity in the brain that affect behavior, sensations, movements or consciousness. Find out more about seizures and epilepsy in children.
• Headache and migraine: Headaches and migraine can make learning difficult and affect a child’s daily activities and quality of life.
• Sleep disorders: Children, especially teens, can have sleep disorders, which can lead to other problems such as daytime sleepiness and poor performance in school.
• Neurodegenerative diseases: These conditions occur when brain cells become damaged or begin to die. Learn more about Tay-Sachs disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
• Neurological disorders in newborns: These conditions occur when an injury or other problem affects brain development before, during or shortly after birth. Learn more about neurological disorders in newborns.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

These neurological disorders affect a child’s development, causing physical, behavioral, learning and other difficulties:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): This condition causes behavior issues, such as self-control and ability to focus and concentrate. Learn more about ADHD.
• Autism spectrum disorder: This disorder affects a child’s ability to develop healthy social and communication skills. Find out more about autism spectrum disorder.
• Learning disabilities: This group of disorders causes difficulty with written and spoken language, math and other subjects. Read about learning disabilities.
• Rett syndrome: This genetic disorder occurs mostly in girls, affecting learning, social behaviors, speaking, balance and movement.
• Speech, language and swallowing disorders: Aphasia is a type of neurological disorder that affects the ability to read, write, speak and understand speech. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects your ability to eat and drink.
• Tourette syndrome: This neurological disorder involves tics, which are sudden, repeated, involuntary (unintentional) movements or sounds.