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Support Groups & Movement ClassesCenters of ExcellenceSupport the Mirken Department of Neurology
The Pediatric Neurology Division at The Alan and Barbara Mirken Department of Neurology is one of the largest and most respected programs of its kind in the country. It is known for its patient-centered, compassionate and proactive approach, as well as its clinical excellence.
The pediatric neurology program is multidisciplinary by nature and includes sub-specialists in pediatric epilepsy, movement disorders, stroke, headache, autism, and neuropsychology. The program sponsors outpatient centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey and Westchester. Inpatient care is provided at our specialty centers at Beth Israel, St. Luke’s and Roosevelt hospitals.
Additionally, the department collaborates with colleagues throughout Beth Israel Medical Center and Continuum health system, including the pediatric subspecialties of neurosurgery, endovascular surgery, and rehabilitation medicine.
The department is actively involved in many multi-center and national research trials.
Some of the pediatric neurology conditions treated include:
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Movement disorders
- Neuromuscular disorders, including muscular dystrophy
- Headaches and migraines
- Cerebrovascular stroke
- Arteriovenous malformation and aneurysms
- Brachial plexus palsy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Metabolic diseases
- Neurobehavioral conditions
- Autism
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
Pediatric neurological disorders are diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical evaluation of the patient’s history and symptoms. Sometimes specific tests are needed, for instance, electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The program has full access to state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities that are child friendly and the expertise to use them in seeking accurate diagnoses.
Treating Pediatric Neurological Disorders
All methods of treating pediatric neurological conditions are available and include:
- Medication
- When appropriate, inclusion in clinical trials for new medications and protocols
- Educating a patient’s family on self-management. For instance, migraines can often be controlled with a family’s understanding of certain triggers like diet or sleep patterns
- Pain management
- Physical therapy to improve and retain function
- Speech language therapy
- Occupational therapy to give patients adaptive living skills
- Practical and emotional support for the patient, caregivers and family with input from the department’s social workers, including various support groups specifically geared toward the pediatric patient
- Collaborative psychological and psychiatric counseling and evaluation when necessary to help patients with co-existing conditions (depression, anxiety, memory loss) that can accompany some pediatric neurological conditions
- Referrals to other medical disciplines as needed (surgeons, for example)
- Ongoing care and follow-up
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