When your child needs neurodiagnostic testing, the goal is to gather clear information that helps us make an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized care plan. Tests range from in-office evaluations to more complex procedures. In every case, our BayCare Kids specialists guide your family with expertise and compassion.
We provide comprehensive neurological testing for children of all ages to help us better understand how your child’s brain and spinal cord are functioning.
Our medical teams are experienced in helping your child feel more comfortable and making tests as easy as possible. If your child needs a test or procedure at the hospital, our Child Life Specialists are available for support. They use virtual reality tools to distract children and other methods to help both kids and families cope better with tests and procedures. Sedation may also be an option to help your child relax or sleep during testing.
We perform comprehensive neurological examinations in the office to check the different parts of your child’s nervous system. The exam typically includes a series of simple tests and an in-depth physical examination to assess their reflexes, senses, coordination, strength and memory.
This test monitors electrical activity in your child’s brain using small electrodes placed on the scalp. We perform EEGs in our neurology offices, usually to detect signs of seizures or other neurological conditions. Long-term monitoring is done in the hospital, where your child can be monitored for several hours or overnight. For some children, a portable EEG for your child to wear at home may be appropriate.
Evoked potentials tests measure brain activity in response to different types of stimulation. Changes in the speed and size of the response can signal problems in specific nerves and pathways in the brain.
Measurements are taken using sensors placed on your child’s scalp that are painless. The main types used are:
Neuroimaging helps to see the details of your child’s brain and spinal cord. Our pediatric radiology team offers routine CT and MRI scans, as well as advanced brain imaging studies, such as:
A lumbar puncture is a test that collects a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Analysis of the fluid can help us diagnose infections, monitor certain cancers and investigate neurological symptoms. For children, lumbar punctures are commonly performed with sedation in the hospital.
A biopsy is a procedure that collects and analyzes tissue from a tumor to determine the tumor type and if it’s cancerous. Biopsies are performed by neurosurgeons or interventional radiologists as part of your child’s diagnostic and treatment plan.
Angiography is a procedure used for diagnosing and treating conditions that affect blood vessels, including those in the brain and spine. It is used as part of care for vascular malformations, tumors, stroke and other pediatric neurological conditions.
BayCare interventional radiologists perform angiography using thin tubes called catheters, which are inserted inside blood vessels, inject dye into the blood vessels and take a series of X-ray images. If needed, your child’s doctor may be able to deliver treatment during the same procedure, using tools passed through the catheter.
We perform comprehensive neurological examinations in the office to check the different parts of your child’s nervous system. The exam typically includes a series of simple tests and an in-depth physical examination to assess their reflexes, senses, coordination, strength and memory.
This test monitors electrical activity in your child’s brain using small electrodes placed on the scalp. We perform EEGs in our neurology offices, usually to detect signs of seizures or other neurological conditions. Long-term monitoring is done in the hospital, where your child can be monitored for several hours or overnight. For some children, a portable EEG for your child to wear at home may be appropriate.
Evoked potentials tests measure brain activity in response to different types of stimulation. Changes in the speed and size of the response can signal problems in specific nerves and pathways in the brain.
Measurements are taken using sensors placed on your child’s scalp that are painless. The main types used are:
Neuroimaging helps to see the details of your child’s brain and spinal cord. Our pediatric radiology team offers routine CT and MRI scans, as well as advanced brain imaging studies, such as:
A lumbar puncture is a test that collects a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Analysis of the fluid can help us diagnose infections, monitor certain cancers and investigate neurological symptoms. For children, lumbar punctures are commonly performed with sedation in the hospital.
A biopsy is a procedure that collects and analyzes tissue from a tumor to determine the tumor type and if it’s cancerous. Biopsies are performed by neurosurgeons or interventional radiologists as part of your child’s diagnostic and treatment plan.
Angiography is a procedure used for diagnosing and treating conditions that affect blood vessels, including those in the brain and spine. It is used as part of care for vascular malformations, tumors, stroke and other pediatric neurological conditions.
BayCare interventional radiologists perform angiography using thin tubes called catheters, which are inserted inside blood vessels, inject dye into the blood vessels and take a series of X-ray images. If needed, your child’s doctor may be able to deliver treatment during the same procedure, using tools passed through the catheter.
BayCare Kids Neurosciences brings together a wide range of experts, all of whom specialize in caring for children. Your child’s care team may include neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, nurses, nurse navigators, technologists and more. At every step, we let you know what to expect and how you can support your child during their care journey.
