Pediatric Neurology

Excellence with a Heart
Our doctors develop caring, personal, and often lasting bonds with their patients. We call this approach “excellence with a heart,” and it is so important to us that we only employ health professionals who share our philosophy and mindset. 

Team of Experts
Most neurological disorders affect multiple aspects of physical, emotional, and social well-being. As a result, your child’s care team may consist of experts from a wide variety of specialties and services. Among others, these may include medical genetics, neuropsychology, neurosurgery, child development and behavioral health, social work, developmental pediatrics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutrition, and adult neurology.

Consistent, Timely Communication
We coordinate your child's care in a way that ensures consistent and timely communication among specialists. Your child’s doctors work together to make decisions that result in maximum benefit to your child.

Undiagnosed Diseases Network
If your child's disorder is difficult to diagnose, they may participate in additional testing through the Undiagnosed Diseases Network -- a research study funded by the National Institutes of Health to improve and accelerate diagnosis of rare and undiagnosed conditions. Duke is one of the network's 15 clinical sites across the U.S.

Transition to Adult Neurology Care
Our pediatric neurologists work closely with Duke Health adult neurologists and are committed to supporting you and your child when they reach adulthood.  

Certified Centers
We are a Certified Duchenne Care Center for muscular dystrophy. In addition, as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center, we have achieved the highest certification by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.

Experts in Our Fields
Our expert care of children with neurologic concerns is one of many reasons why pediatric specialists refer these children to Duke. They know our pediatric neurologists have years of training and experience working with children who have serious and complex neurological conditions. Our pediatric neurologists are nationally recognized for their expertise. They have written reference chapters in the standard and leading specialty textbooks, taken leadership roles in presenting at national and international conferences, and participated in establishing guidelines for care.

High-Quality Surgical Care
Duke Children’s is one of a small number of U.S. hospitals verified as a Level I Children's Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons. This Level I designation recognizes our commitment to providing the safest and highest-quality surgical care to our young patients.

Research Discoveries
Your child may be eligible to receive leading-edge therapies through our clinical trials. In the past, Duke researchers contributed to breakthrough treatments in cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and epilepsy. In 2012, the gene that causes alternating hemiplegia of childhood -- a rare and often debilitating disorder -- was discovered at Duke. We are leading the way in the diagnosis of complex genetic neurological disorders and providing precision therapy to patients with such disorders.  

Skilled, Compassionate Nurses
Our highly skilled nurses providing your child’s care are dedicated, compassionate, and insightful health professionals. 

We provide a wealth of family-friendly services to support you and your entire family. We know how stressful and difficult it can be to pursue care for a child with a neurological disorder. We are here to answer your questions and make your time at Duke as comfortable as possible.

Ronald McDonald Family Room
If your child is in the hospital, you can relax in the Ronald McDonald House Family Room. You can grab a light meal, shower, do laundry, or use a computer with internet access.

Child Life Specialists
Get support, education, and guidance to help you and your child during treatment and hospitalization. Our child life specialists are here to make your child's health care experience positive -- whether it's explaining a procedure, offering encouragement, or using fun activities to take your child’s mind off treatment.

Care Coordinators and Social Workers
Our care coordinators and social workers can help you navigate the medical system and coordinate the variety of health services your child needs, including appointment scheduling. We help you work with insurance providers, connect with resources, and manage details related to your child’s care.