Pediatric Neurologists
- Related Page: Seizures in Children ... Neurologists
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Pediatric Neurologist for CP Diagnosis
May 2009
We are looking to get a second opinion in the event our son is diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he turns one. I think that my son is fine, but his neurologist is concerned with his tone issues (they have gotten better with each examination, but are still there). We currently go to Kaiser Oakland, so we are looking for someone at another Kaiser facility or (ideally)outside of Kaiser. I guess a developmental specialist might be helpful as well. DJ
Hi, My daughter was diagnosed with mild right-side hemiplegia (right-side weakness) at 16 months. This is one of many different classifications that fall under the huge umbrella Cerebral Palsy. With loads of early intervention (therapy, ankle-foot brace, and periodic botox injections) she is an amazing, active, 9 year-old. (She rides her bike, scooter, swims, and has done karate for 2 and 1/2 years.) Most people would never know she has CP. She hasn't worn a brace for 5 years (she has custom orthotics), periodically gets checked with Dr. Scott Hoffinger at Children's, sees Physical Therapist Christine Egan, and Dr. Elaine Pico who is about to administer botox again. (Her last botox was 2 years ago. The botox helps to release her calf muscles allowing her to get her heel on the ground.)
The reason I tell you this is because early intervention is critical. We had an MRI done at Children's when our daughter was about 20 months. This helped us know what part of her brain was affected (which is helping to understand some of her learning difficulties) and confirmed her diagnosis. Since that time I feel we have built a phenominal team to help my daughter thrive. If your child does have CP, he sounds mild. Children with mild CP often get somewhat passed over since they don't have high needs, and it's up to you to fight to get what is best for your child - and sometimes that takes a lot. Additionally, a diagnosis opens lots of doors for treatment and services that could really help your child. I know it's hard to find out your child is anything but perfect. Please feel free to contact me with any quesitons. jjs
Pediatric neurologist for an infant
April 2008
hi, we are looking for recommendation for good pediatric neurologists for infants. They can be located in the peninsula, san francisco or east bay. (Insurance is not relevant). many thanks
Dr. Jean Hayward at Kaiser Oakland is one of the best ped. neurologists in the Bay Area, especially for seizure disorders. anon.
Neurologist for seizures in young child
Jan 2007
I am looking for recommendations for a Pediatric Neurologist. Perhaps one who has had good success with seizures in young children. We live in Oakland but I'd take my little guy to the moon if neccessary.
We've had alot of experience with pediatric neurology and seizure disorders. By far, the best doctor we ever had was Candace Brown at Children's Hospital, Oakland. We also like Paul Garcia at UCMed. Email me if I can be helpful to you. beverly
Hello. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Luis Bello-Espinosa in SF at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC). I went through 3 ped. neurologists and fought with my HMO (and won) so that my son could see him. He is well-reputed, well-studied, and very personable! Go here: http://www.drluisbello.com He is the absolute best. Good luck! MS
Our son was treated by pediatric neurologist JEAN HAYWARD at Kaiser Oakland for seizures. She is definitely the expert for seizures in young children in the Bay Area. We knew another family from Marin who went to a specialist at Stanford for their son's seizures, and they were ultimately referred back here to Jean Hayward. A little caution: Dr. Hayward is known for being somewhat (quite) blunt at times, but she is extremely knowledgeable (particularly regarding which seizure meds work best for different seizure types), and we felt she gave our son the best care possible. We also grew to like and trust her very much in a very difficult situation. I did a lot of my own research, and concluded that she really was the best around. I believe she is still at Kaiser Oakland, but I no longer have her phone number. Best of luck to you and your son. anon
Pediatric neurologist for epilepsy
June 2003
Hello. My 4 yr. old son has just had two unexplained seizures, five weeks apart. His current pediatrician is not as good as he used to be and appears to be heavily medicated when we have appointments with him. His initial diagnosis is Benign Epilepsy of Childhood. Does anyone have an experienced pediatrician who has experience with seizure disorders in young children? We live in West Contra Costa County. Thank you!
There aren't that many pediatric neurologists, but you definitely should see one. My son sees Dr. Daniel Birnbaum at Children's Hospital in Oakland-he is very nice, if not always that assertive. Your child may need medication, and he should get an EEG. Don't leave it to your primary care physician! anon
Pediatric neurologist for 2-year-old's seizures
June 2003
My daughter (almost 2) just had her second complex partial seizure and we need to see a pediatric neurologist to get an EEG and possibly an MRI. I saw the recommendations for pediatric neurosurgeons, but none of the names are on my list (Hill Physicians), and I didn't see any plain old neurologists (is there such a thing?). I'd love to hear from other parents who have been through this kind of thing, also.
The doctors at Childrens' hospital Oakland are fantastic. They work with state of the art equipment and truly cutting edge procedures. Children fly from all over the country for their first-rate care. Unfortunatly I don't have any specific names for you because my son stayed there for reasons not having to do with neurology. but it would be the first palce I would look. Jessica
I am not sure if this helps, but my son was seen and evaluated by Dr. Peter Sun at Children's Hospital Oakland. Dr. Sun ordered all the tests, figured out the extent of the neurologic problem (very different from seizures), and operated on my little guy. Dr. Sun is the head of neurosurgery there and one of the most caring and thoughtful physicians I have ever met. He works with a great nurse practitioner, Sue, who is also a good resource when going through something this stressful. We have Hill Physicians through HealthNet and we have had no problems with referals or bills. Send me an e-mail if you want more details. Sarah
My infant son has experience with Pediatric Neurosurgeons, unfortunately, and among the 2 best are: 1) Peter Sun at Oakland's Children's Hospital 510/428-3319
2) Nalin Gupta at UCSF, also has offices in Walnut Creek 925/945-6098
Maryanne
Pediatric Neurologist for seizures
June 2003
Hello. My 4 yr. old son has just had two unexplained seizures, five weeks apart. His current pediatrician is not as good as he used to be and appears to be heavily medicated when we have appointments with him. His initial diagnosis is Benign Epilepsy of Childhood. Does anyone have an experienced pediatrician who has experience with seizure disorders in young children? We live in West Contra Costa County. Thank you! marn
There aren't that many pediatric neurologists, but you definitely should see one. My son sees Dr. Daniel Birnbaum at Children's Hospital in Oakland-he is very nice, if not always that assertive. Your child may need medication, and he should get an EEG. Don't leave it to your primary care physician! anon
First off, I’m so sorry you’re going through this with your baby. I’m the mom of a 14mo boy who was diagnosed with epilepsy at 2mo old. We see Dr. Roxanne Simmons at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland and would highly recommend her. She’s smart, compassionate, and always makes sure we are informed and aligned with decision making. My experience with UCSF is that you are first assigned to a general neurologist, and if your son’s epilepsy is resistant to 1 or 2 standard medications, then they will refer you to an epilepsy specialist.
Please get in touch if you want to discuss further- I am more than happy to connect.