Overview

Pediatric neurology treats symptoms and disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, neuromuscular junction, muscles, neurotransmitters, and even ion channels.

Our neurologists are highly qualified subspecialists, capable of integrating and applying complex and ever-increasing medical knowledge to individual patient evaluation and care. We collaborate with colleagues in other pediatric and adult specialties in on-going clinical research.

General Neurology Clinic: Treating Patients With Complex Disorders

We commonly treat patients with the following disorders in our general neurology clinic:

Leukodystrophy The University of Utah Leukodystrophy Clinic accepts referrals for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of inherited leukodystrophies. If families are interested, they can enroll in the Western Leukodystrophy Project, one of the largest longitudinal studies of children with leukodystrophies. Learn More >>

Muscular Dystrophy Pediatric patients with muscular dystrophies are cared for in the Muscular Dystrophy Clinic, managed in association with the Department of Neurology.

Spina Bifida The Spina Bifida Clinic provides care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults up to 21 years old who have a neural tube defect, including myelomeningocele, encephalocele, or lipomyelomeningocele. During one comprehensive visit, patients and families can see orthopedics, urology, neurosurgery, physical therapy, neurology, social work or general pediatrics. Prenatal counseling and education services are also provided.

Stroke The Pediatric Stroke Clinic cares for children who have had a stroke, including both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, as well as children who have suffered from cerebral sinus venous thrombosis.

We also treat patients with the following conditions:

• Brain malformations,
• Chorea, including Sydenham's Chora,
• Dystonia,
• Migraine,
• and Tics or Tourette Syndrome.

Specialty Programs

In addition to the subspecialty clinics, we have a number of programs to treat patients suffering from complex disorders:

Epilepsy Program We provide comprehensive care for infants and children with epilepsy. Our program includes specialty-trained Pediatric Epileptologists who oversee a large clinical service. Learn More >>

Multiple Sclerosis, Neuromyelitis Optica, and Demyelinating Diseases Program Demyelinating disease, including multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, can affect children and adolescents. Drs. Michael Lloyd and Meghan Candee provide specialized care for children affected by demyelinating diseases. Learn More >>

Neonatal Neurology Clinic and Consultation Program For infants born prematurely, infants with neurological problems, and for expectant parents with concerns of neurological issues or brain development concerns, the University of Utah Department of Pediatrics has a Neonatal Neurology program, headed by Dr. Betsy Ostrander. Learn More >>

Neuromuscular Program We treat patients with disorders affecting nerves and muscles in the Neuromuscular Clinic. We place emphasis on evaluation and timely diagnosis, and the special treatment needs of this unique group of patients. Learn More >>

Pediatric Headache Clinic Pediatric headache can significantly impact the lives of affected children and their families. Our clinic provides specialized, integrated care working to treat children and adolescents with headaches (Drs. Bale, Candee, and Kerr). We also strive to advance novel treatments and approaches.

Pediatric Motor Disorder Research Program The Pediatric Motor Disorders Research Program is a closely affiliated, multidisciplinary program that provides sub-specialty evaluation and care for children with movement and motor disorders. In addition, this clinic provides opportunities for patients and their families to become involved in on-going research in these disorders.

Underserved & Global Health Providing neurological evaluation and care for underserved populations is an important component of our Division's mission. Our Pediatric Neurologists participate in local and international efforts to provide excellent medical care and education across boundaries of all kinds. Learn More >>