Neurological care
Neurological care is the practice of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and function of diseases relating to the nerves and nervous system. Neurologists and neurosurgeons treat disorders that affect the brain or spinal cord.
Pediatric neurology specialists in Denver
Entrusting your child's neurological health to someone can be difficult, but we do everything we can to make it easier.
At Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Neurosciences Center, our pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons are dedicated to helping your child. As respected providers of pediatric neuromedicine, we will collaborate on a treatment plan tailored to your child's unique needs.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is available just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is available just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Pediatric neurological disorders and conditions we treat
Our pediatric neurologists treat a wide range of conditions and movement disorders, including:
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
- Brain tumors
- Chiari malformation
- Congenital brain anomalies
- Congenital spine anomalies
- Craniofacial disorders
- Craniosynostosis
- Developmental delay
- Developmental regression
- Down syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Headaches and migraines
- Hydrocephalus
- Hypotonia
- Infantile spasms
- Intracranial cysts
- Tremor
- Dystonia
- Numbness
- Seizures in children
- Spasticity
- Spina bifida
- Spinal disorders and injuries
- Tethered cord
- Vascular malformations
- West syndrome
Our neurology services for children
Neurological disorders are conditions that affect the brain or nervous system. Diseases of the brain, spine and nerves can make it difficult for your child to speak, swallow, breathe or learn. These disorders can also cause memory issues, inhibit your child’s senses or drastically affect your child’s mood. Similarly, movement disorders are also neurological conditions that cause increased involuntary movements. These conditions affect your child’s muscle coordination, cause contractions and spasms and decrease control over voluntary movements. Our pediatric neurological care includes diagnosing, treating and rehabilitating all of these types of conditions to improve your child's overall quality of life.
Chiari malformation treatment
Chiari malformation is a condition that affects the connection between the brain and spinal cord, and it is present at birth. Although the exact cause of this condition is not yet known, there are four different types of Chiari malformations that can occur.
If your child is diagnosed with Chiari malformation, our compassionate pediatric team at our neuroscience center will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the type and severity of the malformation, surgery may be necessary.
It's important for parents to keep a close eye on their child's neurological health and seek medical attention if any changes occur. Regular exams and diagnostic testing are also necessary for children with Chiari malformation, and genetic counseling may be recommended.
Craniosynostosis care
At our Pediatric Neuroscience Center, we understand that finding out your baby has craniosynostosis can be overwhelming. Our team of pediatric neurologists provides evaluations to get a detailed look at your child’s skull and determine the best course of action together.
Craniosynostosis is a condition where the sutures that separate the skull’s bone plates close too early, affecting your child’s normal brain and skull growth and causing pressure inside of their head. This can result in a change in your child's head shape and facial symmetry.
Our team is equipped to treat various types of craniosynostosis, including:
- Anterior
- Plagiocephaly
- Posterior plagiocephaly
- Trigonocephaly
- Scaphocephaly
Surgery is usually the recommended treatment to repair your child's face and skull and reduce pressure in their head. Our goal is to provide the very best care for your child and ensure that they receive the treatment they need in a warm and compassionate environment.
Infantile spasms treatment
We understand how frightening it can be for parents when their child is diagnosed with infantile spasms, a rare and serious epilepsy syndrome in young children. That's why our compassionate Center for Maternal/Fetal Health team works closely with you to provide support and education throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.
Our experienced pediatric neurologists are skilled at treating all types of infantile spasms, including:
- Extensor
- Flexion
- Mixed spasms
Although intramuscular adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is the most effective medication, we may also use oral steroids and conventional anticonvulsants. We will continue to follow up with your child to ensure that symptoms improve and spasms can be controlled.
The Spasticity Center
The Spasticity Center at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver offers comprehensive treatment for children experiencing spasticity.
Spasticity is a condition that causes certain muscles to be constantly tight or contracted, leading to limited and uncomfortable movement.
Our team of pediatric subspecialists is dedicated to working together to create personalized treatment plans that optimize each child's functional abilities. We offer a range of options, including physical and occupational therapy, oral medications and the use of splints, braces or casts. In some cases, surgical procedures, such as tendon releases and osteotomies, may be necessary.
Concussions in kids
A concussion is a brain injury that can occur from a hit to the head or a blow to the body that causes the brain to shake around inside the skull. It's important to note that 50 percent of concussions happen outside of team sports, so parents, teachers and coaches need to be aware of all the signs and symptoms.
Symptoms of a concussion
Although headaches and nausea are common symptoms of a concussion, kids may also experience emotional symptoms, such as feeling sad or easily annoyed. Memory loss, difficulty focusing and general confusion are also possible.
Concussion treatments
If your child experiences a significant hit to the head, it's crucial to pull them out of the activity and have them checked for signs of a concussion. It's essential to let a doctor check on your child right away if a concussion is suspected. They can give the correct treatment, such as pain or nausea medication, and give you guidance about what activities to avoid and for how long.
Rest is the number one concussion treatment
Rest is the number one treatment for a concussion. Your child may also need to avoid electronics, like video games, as they can trigger concussion symptoms.
They can engage in restful activities like listening to music or audio books or playing board games. It's important to avoid putting your child back in the game or allowing them to return to play too soon, as this can increase their risk of another concussion.
When to seek emergency help for a concussion
Call 911 or go to the emergency department if your child's level of alertness changes, if they're disoriented, vomiting or have severe neck pain or a terrible headache that won't go away. Also seek immediate medical attention if your child passes out, has tingling or numbness in their arms or legs, keeps drifting off or has a seizure.
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