Children have unique health needs and so require special care. When you notice issues in your child’s coordination, balance, and cognitive function, you can consider working with a Miami pediatric neurologist. Your child might be suffering from a neurology disorder diagnosed through pediatric neurology examination and tests. The pediatric neurologist can diagnose your child’s central and peripheral nervous system complications. Many nervous system defects begin at birth and manifest in early development. You should consult a pediatric neurologist if you notice the following in your child.
Uncontrolled Headaches
Headaches are common in children, as are common in adults. When you observe your child wanting to hide in a dark room or sleep more, they might have a headache. You can try relieving the situation using over-the-counter medications and seeking expert help from a pediatrician when the headache is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to light. However, you should reach out to a neurologist if the headaches become frequent and not respond to the current treatment. Notice early morning vomiting, confusion, numbness, or vision loss accompanying the headaches and take them as red flags to consult a neurologist.
Seizures
Seizures are common, but recurrent seizures make the difference. Febrile seizures are common in children between 6 months and five years. Seizures can be frightening to witness, but febrile seizures are not life-threatening. Many children with such seizures do not develop serious neurologic complications such as epilepsy in the future. However, you should take your child to a pediatric neurologist if you witness any other type of seizure. It might not be managed by a pediatrician and require daily medication to manage.
Growth Delay
Every parent enjoys watching their baby grow and develop. But it can be a concern if you notice your child is not achieving their milestone on time. However, every child is different, and you have to understand your child’s uniqueness but not assume that all is well. A pediatrician can help identify the specific areas your child has growth problems, but if they find out more than one area, more screening is necessary. At this point, you might want to consider a pediatric neurologist for further evaluation.
Movement Abnormalities
Children move uniquely as they grow because their nervous system is not well matured to control leg and arms movements. Your pediatrician will help you identify normal movements or identify abnormal moves during regular clinic visits. Your child reacts in certain habits when startled, excited, or bored such as hand flapping. But you can notice some movements like involuntary nose twitching, eye blinking, grimace, or sounds, and it can be right to be concerned. It would help if you had a neurologist examine your child’s state.
Weakness
Weakness in children can occur due to many reasons, such as myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophy. But it can be worse. Notice early handedness, sudden weakness to any part of the body, delayed motor milestones, or troubles doing a simple task such as running or climbing the stairs. It might be tricky to diagnose weakness in children, and your pediatrician might send you to a neurologist if necessary.
Maintaining regular pediatric visits for your children’s health care is crucial. This will help you identify early neurologic defects and avoid future long-term issues. Reach out to KIDZCHOICE Pediatrics for more information. You can book your appointment online.
