Paediatric neurology

What is paediatric neurology?

Paediatric neurology is a medical speciality that manages the diagnosis and treatment of problems of the central nervous system (CNS) and the neuromuscular system during their developmental phase.

The brain, spinal cord and nerves have specific characteristics and a specific rate of development at each stage of life. Our neurologists monitor these changing processes to check whether they are developing properly or whether any disorders are apparent.

What does paediatric neurology study?

Our child neurologists study the characteristics and evolution of neurodevelopment, as well as of the nervous and neuromuscular systems. They also detect and treat any disorders that may occur up to adolescence. In addition to brain and nerve physiology, this speciality investigates the non-pathological development of these organs at each stage of growth in order to diagnose disorders more easily. Our child neurologists at Quirónsalud subspecialise in the following areas:

• Premature babies: they offer support to babies who, for various reasons, have been born small, until they reach the level of maturity appropriate for their age.
• Injuries affecting CNS development: they diagnose disorders that damage the brain or prevent nerves from communicating with the rest of the body, such as cerebral palsy or paraparesis.
• Para-infectious diseases: they examine the characteristics of bacterial or viral infections such as meningitis or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
• Neuromuscular pathologies: they investigate the evolution and treatment of diseases affecting the nerves that control muscles, especially dystrophies or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
• Behavioural and developmental disorders: they examine the relationship between neurodevelopmental delay, language or learning difficulties and certain CNS disorders.

Which patients is it for?

Paediatric neurology is aimed at patients of growing age with neurological disorders. This consultation treats newborns, sometimes even making foetal diagnoses, and adolescents, and therefore it covers a wide range of pathologies and special characteristics.

Techniques, procedures and diagnostic methods

The paediatric neurology service uses various highly specific techniques for diagnosis to ensure that we can adapt to the singularities of our patients, their developmental stage and their size/age. Some of the most common procedures include:

• EEG (electroencephalogram): Detects problems with the brain’s electrical activity. This test can be used to detect seizures and to ensure that your child’s brain is experiencing the electrical activity expected for their age.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): the most commonly used procedure is brain MRI, which provides clear images of the skull, spine, brain and spinal cord without the need for radiation.
• Computerised axial tomography (TAC): uses X-rays to provide a quick, 3D view of the state of the brain with minimal exposure to ionising radiation.
• Electromyography (EMG): assesses nerve and muscle activity by means of a needle, and can diagnose diseases that cause weakness or check their development.
• Karyotyping: a study that shows the chromosomes of the child and highlights possible genetic anomalies, both numerical and structural.
  • Lumbar puncture: a test in which doctors insert a small needle into the lower back to analyse cerebrospinal fluid for signs of infection, inflammation.
  • Laboratory testing: Includes basic laboratory tests for electrolyte changes or signs of infection, or tests to rule out metabolic errors that explain neurological disorders.