Pediatrics

Pediatric Neurology

The care of a child with a disorder of the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system can be lifelong and requires the expertise of a team of specialists. You can find that team at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, where we can connect you with all of the care your child needs. We provide the latest treatments in a setting that is warm, compassionate, and comfortable. In collaboration with the child neurology and neurosurgery teams at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital, we offer inpatient diagnostic testing and treatment as well as outpatient therapies and follow-up care—right here in Queens, close to home.

Conditions We Treat

Our team cares for children of all ages with neurologic disorders such as:

• Epilepsy and other seizures

• Neurogenetic disorders

• Movement disorders

• Childhood metabolic disorders

• Pediatric headaches, such as migraines

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Autism spectrum disorders with neurologic symptoms

• Tics/Tourette syndrome

• Birth defects and brain malformations

Epilepsy and other seizure disorders

Through our Pediatric Epilepsy Center, we offer 24-hour EEG diagnostic testing, neurogenetic testing, antiseizure medications, onsite nutritional counseling, and referrals to surgical epilepsy treatments.

Learn more about the NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Pediatric Epilepsy Center.

Neurogenetic disorders

Our neurologists specialize in the care of children with malformations of the brain, unexplained intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, neurodegenerative diseases, and other nervous system conditions with a hereditary link. Working closely with specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky, we are seeking to identify the genetic roots of abnormal brain development. This information helps us understand how each child will do as they approach adulthood. It also supports our search for better treatments and lets us determine if your other family members are at risk for these disorders.

Spasticity and other movement disorders in children

Children with brain and spinal cord disorders frequently have movement problems in the arms and legs. Our neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedists, physiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physical and occupational therapists collaborate to treat this tightness, or "spasticity," using physical and occupational therapy, baclofen pump therapy, and oral medications. If your child needs surgery to treat a movement disorder, we can refer you to a NewYork-Presbyterian pediatric neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon to perform the procedure.

Childhood metabolic disorders

Children can develop metabolic disorders if their bodies cannot properly process food into energy. Metabolic disorders in young kids are often inherited. Treatment may include additional support and guidance by a dietitian with expertise in enzyme replacement therapy. Genetic counseling is also available for your family members.

Headaches in children

If your child is experiencing migraines or other headaches that are frequent and/or severe and interfere with their ability to attend school, play sports, or sleep, it may be time to see a specialist. Our pediatric neurology team carefully evaluates your child's symptoms and conducts any needed testing to determine the causes. We then customize a plan of care that may include medications or avoiding certain "triggers" to relieve your child's pain.

Advanced Training Means Advanced Care

Your child's team includes physicians who are board-certified in Child Neurology and Epilepsy. They are joined by electroencephalography (EEG) technicians, nurses, child life specialists, and social workers who work together to ensure your child's care is the best it can be.

For your convenience, a child who needs neurosurgery can have the procedure done at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky and receive care before and after surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. A NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky pediatric neurosurgeon visits our hospital twice a month to evaluate patients and collaborate with our pediatric neurologist in the same clinic. During one convenient visit, you can access pediatric neurology and neurosurgery expertise at the same time.