What Is a Neuropediatrician?

What is a neuropediatrician?

A neuropediatrician is a pediatrician who has completed advanced training in pediatric neurology. This training consists of a yearlong fellowship in which the pediatricians develop expertise in evaluating and managing common neurological conditions in children. Their training includes mentorship by child neurologists and hands-on experience with performing neurological exams, interpreting imaging studies and carrying out developmental assessments. With both clinical skills and a compassionate approach to care, neuropediatricians continue to provide general pediatric care to patients but are uniquely positioned to guide families through concerns with nervous system disorders.

This one-of-a-kind fellowship is offered through UCSF Health's Pediatric Brain Center. It was designed to increase patient access to neurological expertise and to allow for earlier evaluation, streamlined care, and closer collaboration among general pediatricians and pediatric neurologists.

What is the difference between a pediatric neurologist and a neuropediatrician?

Pediatric neurologist. This doctor has completed a residency in child neurology, often over several years, and is board-certified in neurology with special training in child neurology.

Neuropediatrician. This is a general pediatrician who has completed a focused one-year fellowship in pediatric neurology. While neuropediatricians do not replace pediatric neurologists, they are trained to diagnose and manage many common neurological conditions and they collaborate closely with pediatric neurologists when additional expertise or testing is needed.

What conditions do they treat?

Neuropediatricians evaluate and manage a range of common neurological conditions in children, including:

• Concussions
• Developmental delays
• Migraines and other headaches
• Seizures
• Tics

They can also determine whether a child needs highly specialized care from a pediatric neurologist.

How do I know whether my child could see a neuropediatrician versus needing a pediatric neurologist?

A neuropediatrician is an excellent first point of contact if your child has a common neurological problem, such as headaches, a tic, developmental concerns or a first-time seizure. A neuropediatrician can evaluate the issue and determine whether further testing or referral to a pediatric neurologist is warranted. For complex, rare or difficult-to-treat neurological conditions, or if your child already has a neurologist, continued care with a pediatric neurologist may be more appropriate. Our care team can guide you to the right provider based on your child's needs.