Pediatric Neurology
Families or pediatricians who have a neurologic concern about a child can refer the child to our neurology team for a comprehensive neurologic evaluation. We offer a child-centered approach that utilizes the latest technologies and techniques. Our emphasis is on a thorough workup using the latest technology to get to the root causes of the symptoms and then multidisciplinary approaches to treat the whole child.
We specialize in treating children with:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders)
- Tics
- Epilepsy (Seizures)
- Headaches
- Concussions
- Microcephaly
- Stroke
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Autonomic Disorders (such as fainting/syncope)
- Vascular Malformations
Our Pediatric Neurology Team uses the most advanced technology and resources to provide each child with individualized treatment. In office we have Neurocognitive Testing, Autonomic Testing and Pharmacogenomics.
Latest Technological Advancements in Pediatric Neurology
What is Neurocognitive Testing?
- Attention and concentration
- Executive function skills, such as problem solving, abstract reasoning and mental flexibility
- Intellectual functioning
- Language
- Learning and memory
- Mood and personality
- Motor skills
- Visual-spatial skills, such as perception
What should you bring to the Neurocognitive Test?
The neurocognitive testing platform we use is entirely computerized-based. Be sure that if your child needs glasses, that he/she brings them on the day of the test. Ensure that your child had a good night sleep the night before the examination.
If your child is on medications, be sure you know whether or not the medications are supposed to be given that day.
The entire testing should take around one hour. At the next visit, you will receive a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the test.
Autonomic Testing
What is Autonomic Testing?
Autonomic testing is a neurologic procedure in which the function of the autonomic nervous system is evaluated. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that controls your breathing, your blood pressure, your heart rate, the movement of your gastrointestinal tract, your skin temperature, and numerous other functions.
What happens during Autonomic Testing?
Autonomic testing, as performed at New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute, is actually comprised of two distinct tests: Sympathetic Testing (Sudomotor Testing) and Parasympathetic Testing (Heart Rate Variability Testing and Valsalva Testing).
During Sudomotor Testing, wires with a sticky end are attached to the hand. An electric pulse (so small that you will not even feel it) is sent through the wire to test whether there is a “sudomotor” response. Such a response is one sign of a healthy autonomic nervous system.
During Heart Rate Variability Testing, those same wires with sticky ends are placed on your chest, over your heart. No electric pulses are used. Rather, the wires are used simply to monitor your heart rate. You will be asked to remain lying down and relaxed for a few minutes. Then, you will be asked to breath slowly and deeply for a few minutes. During the Valsalva portion of the testing, you will be asked to exhale forcefully.
Is Autonomic Testing painful?
Autonomic Testing is not painful. There are no needles and no radiation.
Why do I need Autonomic Testing?
Autonomic Testing evaluates the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This may help your physician to diagnose any problems with your ANS, to understand what parts of your ANS are working well, and which parts of your ANS are not working well. The testing may also be used if you are being treated for a problem with your ANS and to monitor that treatment.
How do I get results of the Autonomic Testing?
Your physician who ordered the testing will go over the results with you. The results will be available to your physician around one week after you complete the evaluation.
PREPARATION FOR THE TESTING
(1) Clothing:
- Shirt: The shirt should be short-sleeved and easy to lift up or unbutton.
- Any undergarments should not have wiring/metal
(2) Do not wear any lotions on your skin
(3) If you have a pacemaker, vagal nerve stimulator, or implantable device, please let the technician know prior to your procedure.
Pharmacogenomics
What is Pharmacogenics?
There are over 270 medications containing warnings, precautions and dosage recommendations based on specific gene variants. Your body has unique ways of responding to treatment based on your DNA. Pharmacogenomics is a state-of-the-art tool in personalizing your treatment.
Genetic Testing
Why do Genetic Testing?
Many neurologic disorders have a genetics component. We work with a genetics team that can search through all of your child’s and family’s DNA to try to get to the root cause of the symptoms Ask the Pediatric Neurology team at your next visit.
Visit the Pediatric Epilepsy Center for more information
