Pediatric Neurology

Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated?

Our department offers a wide range of services, from common childhood neurological problems to rare genetic syndromes. Our main focus areas include:

Epilepsy and Seizures

The treatment of epilepsy in children is one of our department's most important focus areas. Febrile convulsions (fever fits), seizures occurring during sleep or wakefulness, absence seizures, and drug-resistant epilepsy cases are evaluated by our specialists. Our goal is to control the seizures and ensure the child continues their normal development.

Cerebral Palsy

These are movement and posture disorders caused by brain damage that develops in the womb, during birth, or afterward. Within the scope of cerebral palsy treatment, medical interventions to reduce muscle contractions (spasticity) and comprehensive rehabilitation plans are provided.

Developmental Delays and Autism

The neurological background of children who fall behind their peers in walking, speaking, fine motor skills, or social communication is examined. In conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), early intervention programs are created in collaboration with other branches.

Headaches and Migraines

Severe headaches seen during childhood and adolescence can negatively affect school performance and quality of life. An appropriate treatment plan is created by distinguishing between migraines, tension-type headaches, or headaches caused by other underlying neurological reasons.

Muscle and Nerve Diseases

The diagnosis and follow-up of genetic or acquired diseases presenting with floppy baby syndrome (hypotonia), muscular dystrophies, neuropathies, and muscle weakness are meticulously carried out.

Diagnostic Methods

Proper treatment begins with an accurate and early diagnosis. At the Pediatric Neurology Department of BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, we apply the most appropriate diagnostic methods for your child using up-to-date medical technologies:

• Pediatric EEG: A painless and safe method that measures the electrical activity of the brain. Depending on the child's condition, it is performed as an asleep EEG or awake EEG. It is the gold standard, especially in diagnosing epilepsy.
• Developmental Tests: Standardized tests applied to objectively evaluate the child's mental, motor, and language development.
• Neurological Imaging: When necessary, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans are safely performed in our hospital's advanced radiology unit under anesthesia or sedation suitable for children.
• Genetic and Metabolic Screenings: When an underlying hereditary or metabolic disease is suspected, advanced laboratory tests are requested from blood and urine samples.

Treatment Methods and Applications

Every child's neurological development and disease course is unique. Therefore, our treatment plans are completely personalized. Our main treatment approaches include:

• Medication: The most up-to-date and safe medication protocols are applied for conditions like epilepsy, migraines, and movement disorders. Medication doses are regularly updated according to the child's age, weight, and development.
• Special Nutritional Therapies: In drug-resistant epilepsy cases, special nutrition programs like the ketogenic diet can be planned together with our dietitians to help control seizures.
• Spasticity Management: In diseases presenting with muscle stiffness (spasticity) like cerebral palsy, local injection therapies can be applied to relax the muscles and increase the effectiveness of physical therapy.
• Rehabilitation Referral: In cases requiring physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy, we work in coordination with relevant specialists, aiming for the child to reach maximum independence.

Technology and Team

Our hospital holds the JCI accreditation, which certifies international quality standards. In line with these standards, we offer an infrastructure that keeps medical safety and patient comfort at the highest level, making us a reliable choice for your pediatric neurology needs in Istanbul.

In our department, a professional team consisting of pediatric nurses and EEG technicians works under the leadership of an experienced pediatric neurology specialist. Our modern EEG devices are used in specially designed rooms so that children can undergo the procedure without fear. The devices in our imaging center operate on the principle of the lowest radiation and highest resolution, allowing us to reach an accurate diagnosis quickly.

When Should You Consult Us?

Symptoms of neurological diseases in children can sometimes start very mildly. Early intervention is critical for supporting brain development. If you observe one or more of the following symptoms, you should consult our department without delay:

• Unexplained fainting, loss of consciousness, or having a seizure (convulsion)
• The head growing faster than normal or remaining unusually small
• Delay in walking, sitting, or speaking compared to peers
• Lack of eye contact or not responding to their name
• Weakness or asymmetrical movements in one half of the body
• Frequent, recurrent headaches that wake the child from sleep or are accompanied by vomiting
• Extreme floppiness or extreme stiffness in muscles
• Involuntary contractions, tremors, or tics
• Sudden drop in school performance or regression of previously acquired skills

Appointment and Examination Process

You can take the first step for your child's neurological evaluation by booking an appointment. Bringing your child's previous test results, EEG or MRI reports, and health records showing their development when you come for the examination will speed up the diagnostic process. Additionally, recording your child's seizures or involuntary movements on video at home greatly contributes to our physician's ability to evaluate the situation more clearly.

To schedule an appointment quickly and easily, you can call our 24/7 call center at +90 850 811 34 00 or complete your transaction via our online appointment page. As BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, we are always by your side for your child's healthy development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What symptoms should prompt a visit to pediatric neurology?

If you observe unexplained fainting, seizures, delays in motor and cognitive skills like walking or speaking, severe headaches, involuntary movements, or muscle weakness in your child, you should consult a pediatric neurology specialist without delay.

How is a pediatric EEG performed?

A pediatric EEG is a completely painless and safe procedure. Small electrodes are placed on the child's scalp to record brain waves. Depending on the condition and complaint, it can be done while the child is awake or during natural sleep (asleep EEG). No electricity is applied to the body during the procedure; only the existing electrical activity is measured.

Are febrile convulsions (fever fits) dangerous?

Febrile convulsions are generally benign and do not leave permanent damage to the brain. However, they must be evaluated by a specialist physician to rule out underlying infections like meningitis or the risk of epilepsy, and to properly inform the family about what to do during a seizure.

Can cerebral palsy be completely cured?

Although cerebral palsy is a permanent condition, the child's level of independence and quality of life can be significantly improved with early diagnosis and multidisciplinary rehabilitation approaches (physical therapy, special education, medical support). The goal of treatment is to maximize the child's existing potential.

Could my child's headache be a migraine?

Yes, migraines are quite common in children and adolescents. If the headache is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, and if the pain has a throbbing character, a neurological evaluation is of great importance for an accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.