Neurology

Pediatric Neurology is the treatment of conditions related to the brain and the nervous system in children.

Services

Comprehensive evaluation and management of infants, children and adolescents with disorders affecting the nervous system and muscles, including:

• Epilepsy
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Neonatal neurological disorders
• School and learning problems
• Neurometabolic and genetic diseases
• Sleep disorders
• Headaches

An inpatient video-EEG brain study facility is available for assessment of infants, children and adolescents with epilepsy or episodic disorders of behavior.

EEG Services and Neurological Studies

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Seizure monitoring studies

Seizure monitoring, nerve conducting studies and EMG require a neurological consult and a physician’s order is required for all studies. To schedule outpatient appointments, parents may schedule with a physician’s order or your child’s physician’s office may call for the appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an appointment to see a pediatric neurologist?

Your doctor (usually your child’s primary care physician) will set up the appointment with us. A reminder is mailed about one week before your child’s appointment. Reminder phone calls are made before your child’s appointment.

What will happen during the first visit?

You will register your child at our registration desk upon your arrival. Once registered, your child’s height, weight, temperature, blood pressure and pulse will be taken. Medicines and allergies will be reviewed. The doctor will talk to you about the reason your child is here and will examine your child. The doctor will then talk to you about your child’s tests and treatment plan. The first visit usually lasts 30 minutes to 1 ½ hours.

What do I need to bring on my child’s first visit?

• Your child’s immunization records
• Proof of insurance
• Records from doctors who have seen your child in the past for the problem for which your child is being referred
• The results of any tests your child has had for the problem for which we are seeing him/her such as blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or EEGs. In the case of X-Rays, CT scans and MRI scans, we ask that you bring the actual films or discs so our doctors can personally review them.

What happens if I miss an appointment with the doctor?

If the first visit is missed, it is usually necessary for the referring doctor to make arrangements for your child to see another specialist. If a return visit is missed, you will receive a letter telling you whether another appointment has been scheduled or whether you should call to schedule one. When follow-up appointments are missed, we may not be able to provide services for your child such as prescription refills, therapy prescriptions or completion of school forms.

What happens if I miss getting tests done that are requested by the pediatric neurologist?

Missing tests reduces the quality of care we can give your child. If you miss getting a test done when it is scheduled, please call the clinic as soon as possible to reschedule the test(s).

Will my primary care doctor and insurance company be kept informed about my child’s treatment?

Copies of all our notes from clinic visits are routinely sent to the referring doctor. At times we may also send to other treating doctors. Records will be sent to insurance companies upon request by the companies.

What if I can’t pay for services, tests or medications?

Driscoll Children’s Hospital and our doctors provide services for children regardless of the families' ability to pay. We will arrange for you to visit with Driscoll’s Social Work Department to find assistance programs that may help pay for care and/or medicines.

How do I get refills for my child’s medicines between clinic visits?

Most prescriptions will have refills that last until your follow-up visit. However, if a prescription is running low, call us during regular office hours before the medicine runs out.

We will need the following information:

• The name and strength of the medicine (for example, Dilantin 50 milligrams).
• How many and how often your child has been taking the medicine
• Name and birth date of your child
• Name and telephone number of your pharmacy

Who do I call if I have questions or concerns regarding my child?

If you have a question, please call us. Because our doctors get many calls a day, it may be a day or two before your call can be returned. Often, our nurses can answer questions about tests or medicine instructions. Other questions can be written down and discussed at your child’s next appointment.

Who do I call in the event of an emergency related to my child’s condition or treatment?

In the event of a serious emergency, contact the nearest emergency room or call 911. The number of the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Emergency Room is (361) 694-5100.

For situations related to your child’s neurological condition, you may contact the doctor on-call at nights and on weekends and holidays at (361) 694-5000.

For non-emergency situations, call the doctor at our clinic number during regular business hours.

For problems not related to your child’s neurological condition, please call your child’s primary care doctor.

Who do I call if I have questions regarding my child’s bill?

You may call our Central Billing Office at (361) 694-1603.