Mother holding child at beach The Brainy Bunch paediatric neurologist

27 Mar 2024

What does a paediatric neurologist do?

What is a paediatric neurologist?

A paediatric neurologist is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating children and young people who have problems with their nervous system (neurological conditions).

Where do nervous system problems develop?

Problems in the nervous system can start in the spine, brain, nerves, or muscles. The brain and nervous system are at the core of everything the human body does, from keeping the heart beating to breathing, walking, speaking , and picking up objects with our hands. When a child’s nervous system isn’t working properly, it can affect the whole body.

What does a paediatric neurologist do?

Paediatric neurologists work specifically with children and young people to treat conditions related to the nervous system. They are trained to address child-specific conditions and to address the unique needs of every patient. Common neurological conditions they treat include:

  • Migraines and headaches
  • Developmental delays
  • Seizures and epilepsy
  • Speech, language, memory and cognitive problems
  • Strokes and neurovascular conditions
  • Movement disorders and cerebral palsy
  • Tics and Tourette syndrome
  • Genetic conditions affecting the nervous system, such as Neurofibromatosis type 1

More complex and rare conditions a paediatric neurologist treat include:

  • Neurometabolic disorders
  • Degenerative neurological conditions

What happens when your child visits a paediatric neurologist?

Diagnosis

Your child’s neurologist will evaluate and diagnose any neurological conditions. A neurological evaluation begins with a comprehensive history and physical assessment. Other assessments and tests might be suggested such as an EEG (electroencephalogram), MRI scan, blood tests and genetic tests.

Treatment

They will then develop a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of your child. The treatment plan may include medications, and/or lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet, and therapies (e.g. speech, physical, OT).

Monitoring and Ongoing Management

Your child’s neurologist will monitor the progress of your child over time and adjust the treatment plan as required. They may also refer your child for blood tests and scans, and collaborate with other paediatric specialists like paediatricians, neurosurgeons, geneticists and therapists such as speech therapists.

Education and Care

An important role of a paediatric neurologist is to educate parents and carers about their child’s condition, the prognosis, treatment options, and ongoing management at home. They consider not only the medical aspects of your child’s condition, but also the developmental, emotional, and social impact on your child and your family.

Things to do before you visit a neurologist

It’s a good idea to do the following before you visit a neurologist:

  • Consult with your GP or other medical specialist about why your child may need to see a neurologist.
  • Organise a referral from your doctor – in Australia you must have a referral to see a paediatric neurologist to be eligible for a medicare rebate.
  • Book an appointment with the neurologist. You may want to investigate whether the appointment needs to be in person, or whether it can be a telehealth appointment.
  • Find out the cost of your appointment and whether you are entitled to any Medicare rebates.
  • If there is a waiting list delay, your referring doctor can speak with the neurologist for help in planning interim investigations and treatment.
  • Write down your questions prior to the appointment to ensure you remember to ask everything you want to know.

Do you need a Brisbane paediatric neurologist?

The Brainy Bunch is a group of independently practising specialists who seek to provide best practice standards of clinical care for children and young people in a warm and nurturing environment. Our team includes Dr Adriane Sinclair, an experienced Paediatric Neurologist with who enjoys caring for children and adolescents with a wide range of neurological conditions. Adriane has been qualified as a paediatric neurologist for more than 10 years. She also works as a Senior Staff Specialist in Paediatric Neurology at Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Adriane’s approach is caring, calm and thorough and she enjoys collaborating with families and other health care practitioners to deliver high standard, individualised care to the children and adolescents she sees. Contact The Brainy Bunch to learn more or to book a paediatric neurology appointment.

HOW TO

Start the process

To begin psychological therapy or an assessment

You do not need a referral to see a psychologist for therapy or assessment. However, Medicare rebates are available for those who have a Mental Health Care Plan. To obtain a Mental Health Care Plan, you will need to visit your GP or a Psychiatrist or a Paediatrician. Medicare rebates are not offered for assessments.

To book an appointment with a Paediatrician, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist or Paediatric Neurologist

For an appointment with one of our medical specialists, please see your General Practitioner (GP) or current medical specialist and discuss a referral to our service. A referral from a GP or medical specialist is required, and once this has been received, our team will be in contact with you.

To begin speech therapy or a language assessment

You do not need a referral to see a speech pathologist for an assessment or therapy. However, Medicare rebates may be available for those who have a Chronic Disease GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement. You will need to speak with your GP to determine if you are eligible for referral under these schemes. Medicare referrals are also available under a Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder or other eligible disability (including Autism) scheme. Speak to your child’s GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist for a referral under this scheme.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Enquire Now

For enquiries or to book an appointment, please email admin@thebrainybunch.com.au or call (07) 3846 4554. Alternatively, you can complete the contact form below, and one of our reception team will be in touch to answer your query or book an appointment.