What is a Child Neurologist?
Pediatric or child neurologists are specially trained physicians. They have followed up their four-year medical school education with a five-year post-graduate training regimen. This regimen consists of:
- Two years of training in pediatrics
- One year of training in general neurology
- Two years of training in pediatric neurology
Child neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. The brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves make up the nervous system.
Child neurologists understand medical disorders in children. They also understand the unique needs of the child and his or her family and environment.
Child neurologists take comprehensive examinations supervised by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. They become board certified in Neurology and Psychiatry with Special Competence in Child Neurology. Some may have additional training and board certification in areas such as headache, epilepsy, neurophysiology, sleep medicine, or neuromuscular diseases.
In many cases, child neurologists work as a team with pediatricians or other primary care physicians. They may work with other pediatric specialists to care for children with more complex or serious medical issues. These include:
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Birth defects
Chronic conditions like these require ongoing care. Close follow-up throughout childhood and adolescence is necessary.
Additional Resources
Living with a Neurologic Condition | What is a Neurologic Condition? | Preparing for Your Doctor’s Visit |
Searching for a Diagnosis | Support for Patients & Caregivers