Paediatric Neurology

Our paediatric neurology teams care for children and young people with conditions affecting the brain, nerves and muscles, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, developmental disorders and neuromuscular conditions. We bring testing, imaging and therapy together, with specialist paediatric neurology clinics across our UAE hospitals.

What is paediatric neurology?

Paediatric neurology is the care of children whose brain, spinal cord, nerves, or muscles work differently. Paediatric neurologists diagnose and manage conditions such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, childhood migraine, developmental and movement disorders, and neuromuscular conditions. Paediatric neurologists often work closely with other specialists and therapists and may follow children over many years as they grow. They mainly treat these conditions with medicines, therapies, and rehabilitation, supported by specialist investigations such as EEG, genetic testing, and brain imaging. When surgery on the brain or spine is needed, a paediatric neurosurgeon carries it out. Unlike adult neurologists, they focus on the developing nervous system through childhood.

When should you see a paediatric neurologist?

Book an appointment if your child has:

• Seizures, fits, blackouts or recurrent unusual episodes, including staring spells or unexplained changes in awareness or behaviour
• Recurrent or unusual headaches or migraines
• Developmental delay or loss of previously acquired skills
• Muscle weakness, unusual floppiness or stiffness, abnormal movements, tremors or increasing clumsiness
• Tics or repetitive movements
• Changes in behaviour, awareness, memory or functioning
• Concerns following a difficult birth, significant neurological illness or injury

You do not always need to wait for a clear diagnosis. Your paediatrician, family doctor, school or therapist may recommend a neurological assessment when your child's development or neurological function is not progressing as expected.

Seek urgent medical attention for a first seizure, a seizure lasting five minutes or longer, repeated seizures without recovery, sudden weakness or paralysis, loss of consciousness, or a severe or unusual headache with vomiting or other neurological symptoms. Rapidly worsening weakness, difficulty walking, marked drowsiness, confusion or loss of previously acquired skills also need urgent assessment.

Fever with a seizure, severe headache, neck stiffness or altered consciousness also requires urgent care. If your child is seriously unwell, do not wait for a paediatric neurology appointment. Go to the nearest emergency department or call 998 for an ambulance in the UAE.

What to expect

At the first appointment, the neurologist asks about your child's health, development, learning and behaviour, and any worrying episodes. It can help to bring a short phone video of a seizure or unusual movement. The doctor will examine your child's movement, strength, reflexes, and balance. Depending on their symptoms, they may arrange tests such as an EEG, MRI scan, blood tests, or genetic testing.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include medicines, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy or rehabilitation. For children with difficult-to-control epilepsy, a ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation, or epilepsy surgery may be considered. Your neurologist will explain the options, recommend the most appropriate treatment, and review your child regularly as they grow.

Paediatric neurology at Mediclinic

Our paediatric neurology teams provide specialist care for children and young people across our hospitals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. We assess and manage a wide range of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, movement disorders, autism, and ADHD. Investigations may include EEG and prolonged video-EEG monitoring, brain and spinal imaging, and genetic or other specialised tests where appropriate.

For children with difficult-to-control epilepsy, treatment may include ketogenic dietary therapy or vagus nerve stimulation. Children with cerebral palsy and movement disorders can receive multidisciplinary assessment and spasticity management. Our teams also provide neurological assessment for children with autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders, helping identify associated neurological conditions and guide appropriate care.

When surgery is needed, our paediatric neurologists work closely with paediatric neurosurgeons. Depending on the hospital, specialist care may also be available for conditions such as spina bifida and other complex neurological disorders. Care is supported by a multidisciplinary team that may include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, radiologists, and other specialists.