At Banner Children’s, we care deeply about kids - and we’re here for parents too. If your child is seeing a pediatric neurologist for the first time, you likely have questions and concerns. We want to help you feel prepared and supported every step of the way.
During your child’s first visit, the pediatric neurologist will talk with both you and your child about the symptoms they’ve been experiencing. Based on that conversation and a physical exam, the doctor may recommend further testing to better understand what’s going on. After reviewing the results, your child’s neurologist will share the diagnosis and, if needed, discuss next steps and treatment options.
Here are some of the tests that may be part of the diagnostic process:
A neurological exam checks how your child’s nervous system is working. It’s a painless exam that typically lasts about an hour.
Your child’s neurologist may use simple tools like a reflex hammer or flashlight to observe how the body reacts. The exam may also assess balance, coordination, reflexes and motor skills. Throughout the visit, our pediatric neurology team works hard to make your child feel as comfortable and safe as possible.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) records the brain’s electrical activity. This non-invasive test uses small electrodes placed on your child’s scalp to track patterns of brain activity.
An EEG can help diagnose neurological conditions such as seizures, epilepsy or memory issues. The test usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. In some cases, your child’s neurologist may recommend a longer, continuous EEG that lasts at least 24 hours for a more detailed look.
A blood test may be ordered to check for signs of infection, inflammation or toxins in your child’s body. Bloodwork can also help rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
We typically collect the blood sample from a vein in your child’s arm. The results help your care team get a better understanding of your child’s overall health and determine next steps.
Imaging tests help your child’s neurologist see detailed pictures of the brain and other parts of the nervous system. These tests can feel intimidating, especially for young children, but our caring team will help you prepare.
We may encourage your child to bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal for comfort. Here are the imaging tests that may be used:
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a non-invasive test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s organs and tissues.
MRIs are often used to detect signs of inflammation, infection or neurodegenerative conditions. The test does not use radiation and is considered safe.
Your child will lie on a table that moves into a tube-shaped scanner. While the procedure is painless, the machine can be loud. Our staff will stay nearby to ensure your child feels safe and supported throughout the scan.
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan helps identify how tissues and organs are functioning. Before the scan, your child will be given a small dose of a radioactive tracer, either by mouth or injection.
The tracer highlights areas of activity in the body, allowing the scan to detect healthy versus unhealthy tissues. The level of radiation is low—less than a standard X-ray—and there are no known risks.
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-ray technology to create cross-sectional images of the brain and body.
Your child will lie on a table that moves through a large scanner. The machine takes a series of images from different angles, which are then combined by a computer to provide a clear, detailed view of internal structures.
CT scans use a low dose of radiation and are widely considered safe for children.
At Banner Children’s, our kid-connected experts bring deep knowledge and compassion to every family we serve. From your child’s first neurology visit to diagnosis and treatment, you can trust our team to provide advanced care and caring support—every step of the way.
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