Pediatric Neurology

• Compassion and convenience. We know managing a neurological condition can be difficult for patients and their families, so we strive to make the process as seamless as possible. That’s why we offer virtual visits for follow-up care, when appropriate. In addition, we work with a diverse care team to care for children and ensure patients receive the support they need. This team includes a neuropsychologist, pediatric social worker, dietitians and Certified Child Life Specialists.

• Innovative treatments. We use the latest technology and techniques to care for patients. One example is the ROSA robotic system, which helps our team determine where to place electrodes in the brain to pinpoint the source of seizures in patients with epilepsy. As a result, we may be able to cure epilepsy by removing the part of the brain causing the seizures.

• Research to bring more treatment options to patients. Our team participates in research that is shaping the future of pediatric neurology. One study, for example, is examining the use of an adult migraine medication in children ages 12 and older. Through the study, participants can receive a form of treatment to which they wouldn’t have access otherwise.

Our child neurology specialists treat a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord and nerves, including:

• Brain tumors

• Cerebral palsy

• Cerebrovascular disease, including stroke

• Fetal neurology disorders, including seizures

• Functional neurological disorders

• Headaches and migraines

• Hypotonia — poor muscle tone

• Movement disorders, including tics and Tourette syndrome

• Neurofibromatosis — development of nervous system tumors, which are usually noncancerous

• Neurometabolic disorders

• Neuromuscular disorders, including muscular dystrophy

• Seizure disorders, including pediatric epilepsy

• Tuberous sclerosis — development of noncancerous tumors in the brain and other parts of the body

The pediatric neurology team provides comprehensive care to patients with neurological conditions. Treatments include:

• Botox treatment for chronic migraines

• Dietary treatment of seizures using the ketogenic diet, which focuses on restricting carbohydrates

• Medication therapy for a wide range of neurological disorders

• Surgical procedures, in partnership with pediatric neurosurgeons, including laser ablations and resections for epilepsy and brain tumors

• Vagus nerve stimulation — the use of a pacemaker-like device to send electrical pulses to the brain to treat seizures

• Various types of nerve blocks — injections to manage pain from headaches and migraines

Physicians at the Ochsner pediatric headache clinic work with child and adolescent patients with headache and migraine disorders which can be debilitating and affect daily activities and school performance. We develop long-term treatment plans that treat headaches and their associated symptoms and improve headache frequency and quality of life.

Treatments may include oral medications for treatment and prevention of headaches, as well as specialized clinic procedures for long-term migraine, including Botox injections and specialized nerve blocks. We collaborate with inpatient pediatric hospitalist teams when kids may need to be admitted for more intensive treatments. We also work with Ochsner pediatric psychologists to host a monthly multidisciplinary clinic for chronic headaches, where we integrate pain coping mechanisms, stress reduction and relaxation techniques into a comprehensive headache treatment plan.

Many pediatric neurological disorders are complex, requiring the expertise of a diverse care team. At Ochsner, multispecialty, collaborative care is our hallmark.

Our team includes pediatric neurologists with subspecialty expertise in epilepsy and headache. The pediatric neurologists partner with pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric gastroenterologists, specialists in adult epilepsy, dietitians and many other care team members to develop the best treatment plan for each patient.

The pediatric neurology team holds collaborative clinics focused on specific diseases. In our functional neurology clinic, for example, a pediatric neurologist works with a pediatric psychologist to provide comprehensive care. We also offer fetal neurology and pediatric stroke clinics.

The pediatric neurology program based at Ochsner Children’s Hospital, which U.S. News & World Report ranks among the best children’s hospitals in the country. Ochsner Children’s Hospital is a department of Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans, rated by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital in Neurology and Neurosurgery. Additionally, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport is the only health system in the Shreveport area that provides pediatric neurology services, and is known for providing highly specialized pediatric care.

Autism spectrum disorder is one of many conditions pediatric neurologists treat. Your child’s pediatrician and other members of his or her medical team can help decide whether seeing a pediatric neurologist would be beneficial.

A variety of symptoms may warrant seeing a pediatric neurologist, including chronic headaches, seizures, developmental delays, muscle weakness and problems with movement. Notify your child’s pediatrician of any concerning symptoms. He or she may refer your child to a pediatric neurologist.

Yes. The majority of children with epilepsy eventually stop having seizures by the time they reach adolescence.