PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY

A child is NOT a miniature adult, hence there are specific diseases or illness of brain which are seen & recognized only in children.

The Department of Child Neurology at Sahyadri Hospitals provides comprehensive and high quality care to children having Neurological disorders. Child Neurologists are specially trained in diagnosing and treating children who have disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. A Child Neurologist also understands the impact these disorders have on the developing child and it's family and always approach the child and it's parents with utmost of patience and empathy. The Department of Child Neurology / Paediatric Neurology works in close association with the Department of Behavioral Sciences, experts in the field of Genetics and Metabolic disorders, and also with Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists to offer a holistic and comprehensive treatment to these children. With the advent of Newer technology in Imaging and advancement in research and molecular genetics, Child Neurology has come a long way in not only offering a diagnosis and prognosis but also treatment in some rare disorders as well as antenatal diagnosis for future pregnancies.

Despite this quantum jump in scientific advances in the recent decades, the basic approach will always be good and sound clinical knowledge.

Services covered under Child Neurology / Paediatric Neurology in Sahyadri Speciality Hospital Deccan.

• Seizures disorders, Epilepsy, including seizures in Newborns to Epilepsy in Adolescence
• Developmental disorders in children
• Cerebral Palsy and Perinatal injuries
• Inherited metabolic disorders, Inborn errors of metabolism
• Spinocerebellar degeneration
• Ataxias in children
• Brain and spinal cord malformations
• Chromosonal Anomalies and other Genetic disorders of the brain in children
• Intellectual Disability
• Cognitive regression
• Developmental Language disorders
• Autistic Spectrum disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
• Movement disorders in Children
• Childhood Headaches, including Migraine
• Vascular disorders, including childhood strokes
• Infections of Brain & Spinal Cord including Meningitis, Encephalitis and Brain & Spinal Cord Abscess
• Brain Tumors
• Diseases of muscle, nerve and anterior horn cells
• Autoimmune disease of Brain & Spinal cord

The Child Neurology / Paediatric Neurology Department in Sahyadri Speciality Hospital has specialized clinics for Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, and Headache in children and Movement disorders in children.

Epilepsy Clinic includes a thorough clinical review,ElectrophysiologyEEG, Video EEG. Imaging - MRI functional MRI fMRI followed by thorough counseling of parents and child. Refractory Epilepsy Children are worked up for Epilepsy Surgery wherein these patients are admitted for pre surgical work up like Video EEG recording 72 hrs or more to record ictal event.

• Detailed Neuro psychological testing or Lobe function testing to assess functional deficits.
• Detailed imaging with Epilepsy Protocol on 3T MRI scanner.
• PET scan if needed to identify the Epileptogenic zone.
• Depth electrode recording in few cases.
• Visual field analysis prior to surgery.

After the presurgical work up; the parents and child (if above 10years) are given a realistic idea of the outcome, control of seizers and overall Quality of life post operatively. Epilepsy Surgery is carried out in a well equipped exclusive Neurosurgical O.T, with experienced Surgeons in Epilepsy Surgery Continuous depth electrode and Electro Corticography ECOG along with Brain Navigation prior to surgery and during resection. Experienced Neuro anesthetists and post operative Paediatric ICU care is top of the line Cerebral Palsy Clinic - Detailed assessment of the child. Rule out other degenerative or progressive Spastic disorders. Start a comprehensive programme with Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists to improve function, control unwanted movements and overall improve quality of life. Some children may need Orthotic appliances and Interventional therapy like Botox or surgical procedures. Involve parents and caretakers in home programme. Child Neurology / Paediatric Neurology Department also look after children with developmental delay (low IQ)

• Infantile Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
• Children with ADHD and other behavioral disorders
• Specific learning disorders like Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia
• Child Neurology works in close association with Child Guidance Clinic which is a stand alone Clinic with qualified therapists, Clinical Psychologists, O.T. with Sensory Integration, Remedial therapy and the whole gamut of therapy & counselling of parents & caretakers.

Child Neurology / Paediatric Department Spectrum of services includes children with degenerative and progressive neurometabolic brain diseases. Inherited Inborn metabolic disorders. The thorough clinical assessment is done by the Child Neurologists and metabolic & genetic investigations are carried out at SMGTEF (Sahyadri Medical Genetics and Tissue Engineering Faculty) a stand alone. Genetic & Molecular Genetic lab where all advanced genetic testing is carried out. Child Neurology / Paediatric Neurology Department at Sahyadri Specialty Hospital also caters to children with Neuromuscular & peripheral nerve disorders like

• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy
• Childhood Myasthenia Gravis
• Myopathies
• Neuropathies
• Movement disorders

Child Neurology / Paediatric Neurology Works with a vibrant Neurosurgical team to deal with children with

• Hydrocephalus
• Brain tumors / spinal cord tumors
• Meningomyelocele
• Surgery for Moya Moya disease
• Head injures with intracranial bleeds subdural and extradural hematomas
• Brain abscess.

In short it's a one stop location for all Neurological disorders in children covered under one roof.