Ranked Among the Nation's Best

The Neurology and Neurosurgery programs at the Children's Hospital of Michigan are ranked among America's best in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Children's Hospitals rankings and has ranked in the top 50 programs in the nation for the past 10 years. Pediatric neurology and neurosurgery physicians on staff at the Children's Hospital of Michigan include world-renowned researchers in the field of epilepsy, autism, neurogenetics and neuroimaging.

The Children's Hospital of Michigan is recognized by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) as a Level 4 epilepsy center. Level 4 epilepsy centers have the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest-level medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.

Home to some of the nation’s leading authorities on pediatric neurological diseases, the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan is a exemplary clinical program providing expert neurological care, surgery and resident training. Children and families travel to the Children's Hospital of Michigan from across the country and around the world for advanced neurological and neurosurgical care.

Multidisciplinary Family Centered Care

Specialists on the medical staff work closely with other subspecialists – including pediatric anesthesiologists, intensivists and radiologists – to provide sophisticated multidisciplinary pediatric neurology and neurosurgical care. A daily, walk-in clinic and same-day surgery appointments provide added convenience for families caring for children with neurosurgical disorders. In addition to delivering expert care, the neurologists and neurosurgeons on staff at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan are also actively involved in research and education.

A specialized trained team of pediatric nurse practitioners and registered nurses play an important role in providing exceptional, family centered patient care to pediatric patients with neurological conditions. The neurosurgical team works closely with board certified pediatric anesthesiologists on the medical staff of the Children's Hospital of Michigan-helping to ensure even the smallest patients receive safe and effective anesthesia during neurosurgical procedures.

Advanced Imaging

The program offers advanced imaging technologies vital for accurate diagnosis and precise treatment of pediatric neurological diseases. The department operates two MRI scanners dedicated exclusively to pediatric patients . Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) testing is also available.

Neurologists on the medical staff at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan use PET scanning to pinpoint the origin of epileptic seizures – enabling neurosurgeons on staff to remove the affected tissue and dramatically improve the patient’s condition.

Pediatric neurogenetic experts at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan also offer comprehensive diagnostic and care services for children who have – or are suspected of having – a genetic disorder affecting the nervous system or muscles. Children’s Hospital of Michigan is home to one of the nation’s generalized neurogenetic DNA banks.

Muscular Dystrophy Clinic

The Neurology Department at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan is nationally known for research, diagnosis and treatment of muscular diseases in children including muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, duchenne muscular dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy. Patients have access to innovative treatments and medications through clinical trials in which we participate. Working in conjunction with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Department offers a multidisciplinary muscular dystrophy clinic in Detroit.

Specialized Services and Treatment provided by the Division of Neurology and Neurosurgery Include:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System, Brain Tumors, Cerebral Revascularization/Bypass Surgery, Cerebral Vascular Disorders, Chiari Malformation, Concussions, Craniofacial Injuries and Anomalies, Demyelinating Disorders, Developmental/Behavioral Issues, Electromyography (EMG)/Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder), Headaches including Migraine Headaches, Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery for Epilepsy and Brain Tumors, Hydrocephalus, Ketogenic Diet, Leukodystrophy, Moya Moya Disease, MRI Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Ablation Therapy, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuroimmunology Center, Neurofibromatosis Clinic, Neurogenetic and Metabolic Disorders, Neuromuscular Diseases and Muscular Dystrophy, Nerve Damage-Brachial Plexus Surgery, Neuropsychological Testing, Pediatric Stroke, Pituitary Tumors, Sleep Disorder, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injuries, Spinal Disorders, Syringomelia, Skull Base Surgery, Tourette Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) and Vagus Nerve Stimulation.

For further information or to schedule an appointment call (313) 745-KIDS or toll-free at (888) 362-2500.

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MS Signs and Symptoms in Kids

Nov 18, 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. It is an unpredictable condition that can be relatively benign, disabling or devastating. Although multiple sclerosis occurs most commonly in adults, it is also diagnosed in children and adolescents. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, estimates suggest that 8,000 to 10,000 children (defined as up to 18 years old) in the United States have multiple sclerosis, and another 10,000 to 15,000 have experienced at least one symptom suggestive of MS. March is designated as Multiple Sclerosis Month, a good time to review signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Mitchel Williams, MD, neurologist on staff at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan with a special interest in pediatric multiple sclerosis, says symptoms seen in children are similar to those seen in adults, and often can be treated with physical therapy and medications to help reduce relapses and control the symptoms. Symptoms experienced by children that are not typical in adults, include seizures and mental status changes (lethargy).

Multiple sclerosis symptoms can include:

Bladder/Bowel Dysfunction
Balance and coordination problems
Fatigue
Vision Problems
Numbness
Dizziness and Vertigo
Pain
Cognitive Dysfunction
Emotional Changes
Depression
Spasticity

Dr. Williams says that it can be more challenging to diagnosis children than adults since symptoms can be similar to other disorders and parents and some clinicians may not expect the diagnosis in children. If your child experiences any of the symptoms mentioned it is best to contact a pediatrician or pediatric neurology specialist to evaluate the situation.

Neurology