About neurologists
A neurologist is a medical doctor with special training and skills in conditions of the nervous system. This includes diseases, disorders and injuries that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Paediatric neurologists treat neurological problems in babies, children and teenagers.
If your child has health or development concerns, health professionals like neurologists are there to care for your child and help you understand your child’s condition and treatment. With the support and expertise of these professionals, you can help your child thrive.
Why your child might see a neurologist
Your child might see a neurologist if it looks like they have problems with the brain, spinal cord or nerves. These problems could include:
- acquired brain injury
- cerebral palsy
- epilepsy
- headache
- movement disorders – for example, Tourette disorder
- nerve problems that affect muscles – for example, muscular dystrophy
- neural tube defects
- stroke.
To work out exactly what the problem is with your child’s brain or nerves, the neurologist might do tests like an
The treatments the neurologist suggests for your child will depend on your child’s condition. Treatment often involves a combination of:
- medicine
- monitoring – for example, using blood tests and scans
- referral – for example, to a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist or a speech pathologist.
To see a neurologist, your child will need a referral from your GP or from another medical specialist like a paediatrician. Your GP or medical specialist can help you decide about seeing a neurologist and help you find someone who’s right for your child.
Before going to a neurologist
Before seeing the neurologist, it’s a good idea to find out about things like the following:
- Why you’re going – talk with your GP about why your child needs to see a neurologist.
- Appointments – do you need to make the appointment, or will the GP make it for you? Does the appointment need to be in person, or can it be via telehealth?
- Waiting lists – how long before you can get an appointment to see the neurologist?
- Is there anything you can do while you’re waiting for the appointment? For example, can your child start some treatment or therapy?
- Costs – how much will the appointment with the neurologist cost? It’s a good idea to check whether you can get money back from Medicare or private health insurance.
- Locations – find out where you have to go to see the neurologist – for example, public hospital, private hospital or clinic.
- Preparation – what do you need to bring to the appointment? For example, should you bring your child’s test results or their child health and development book?
You can talk about these and any other questions you have with your GP before you go to the neurologist. You could also ask the neurologist’s clinic when you make your appointment. Writing down your questions can help you remember them.