The Penn State Health Children’s Hospital Approach to Pediatric Neurology Care

The pediatric neurology care team at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital cares for children – from infants to teens – who have brain, spinal cord or nerve conditions. We create customized treatment plans for a wide range of conditions, from headaches, to seizure disorders and other serious neurological conditions.

Expert, Team-Based Care Designed for You

We believe treating and managing neurological disorders takes a team. We know you and your child need doctors, nurses, dietitians, social workers and other specialists all working together. We bring together this group of experts to ensure you receive complete care and individual attention. We also work with primary care doctors to make sure they understand your child’s treatment plan.

Why Choose Penn State Health Children’s Hospital for Neurology Care

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital provides only the best neurological care for your child. We’re routinely ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation because of our focus on patient care, safety and research. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Penn State Health Children’s Hospital specialties with top rankings. You can see all of our awards and recognitions here.

We are committed to providing only the highest quality treatment and support, focusing on the unique needs of your child’s condition. We collaborate with referring providers to provide excellent patient care for the residents of central Pennsylvania.

Specialized Program for Pediatric Epilepsy

Our pediatric epilepsy program can help your child manage and live with epilepsy. Our treatment plans for epilepsy in infants, children and teens include a comprehensive approach including, medical care, dietary support, education and community resources.

Pediatric Program for Control of Headaches

If your child suffers from headaches, life can be unpredictable and stressful. Our pediatric headache program, for children up to age 18, is designed to help treat and manage headaches or migraines. Our team of experts uses a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to achieve optimal headache control through a combination of traditional medicine and lifestyle changes.

We teach you and your child about the cause and triggers of headaches and migraines to help you take more control of symptoms. Our services include:

• Acupuncture
• Behavioral health
• Diet
• Lifestyle
• Physical therapy
• Stress management

Partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Association

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides services for kids living with neuromuscular disease. Not only is MDA the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research, it supports care at health systems like Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

Our partnership with MDA allows us to provide complete care to children with neuromuscular conditions. The multi-team unit includes neurologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, orthopaedists and physical therapists. These professionals work together to provide coordinated care for children with MDA-eligible conditions.

Research and Clinical Trials

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital stays on the leading edge of treatment for neurological conditions in children by taking part in several research studies with nationally recognized organizations. Find out if a clinical trial is right for you.

Conditions Treated

The Penn State Health Children’s Hospital pediatric neurology team provides treatment for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Brain injury
• Cerebral palsy
• Concussions
• Developmental disorders and delays
• Epilepsy
• Genetic disorders involving the nervous system
• Headaches and migraines
• Infections and inflammatory disorders of the brain
• Movement disorders
• Muscular dystrophy
• Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (pediatric)
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Neurogenetic disorders
• Neurometabolic disorders
• Neurodegenerative disorders
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Seizure disorders
• Stroke and other cerebral vascular disorders

Resources

We take pride in making sure our patients and families have the resources they need. We are here to help with lodging for out of town visitors, post-operative care for the patient, support groups for the family, financial support and more.

Remember to be careful when using Internet resources. Do not change your medical treatment without talking to your doctor or other health care professional first.

Advocacy agencies

• Pennsylvania Health Law Project
• Pennsylvania Disability Law
• Epilepsy Foundation
• Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Association

Community services

• Office of Mental Health
• Office of Mental Retardation

Early intervention

• Pennsylvania Early Intervention Technical Assistance
• Pennsylvania Department of Education
• Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

Education agencies and patient assistance programs

• Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN)
• Education Law Center of Pennsylvania

Other resources

• American Headache Society
• Epilepsy Foundation
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• Child Neurology Foundation

Support Groups

Support groups provide children and their families an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations. Learn more about the support groups offered at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

View All Support Groups