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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

While you might first discuss your child's symptoms with your family doctor, he or she will probably refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation.

What you can do
Because appointments can be brief, plan ahead and write a list that includes:

  • Detailed descriptions of your child's symptoms
  • Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor
In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may also check your child's neurological health by testing his or her:

  • Reflexes
  • Muscle strength
  • Muscle tone
  • Senses of touch and sight
  • Coordination
  • Balance

Your child may also be screened for:

  • Mental retardation
  • Vision problems
  • Hearing impairment
  • Speech and language disorders
References
  1. Cerebral palsy: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_palsy/detail_cerebral_palsy.htm. Accessed Sept. 2, 2008.
  2. Miller G. Epidemiology and etiology of cerebral palsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 2, 2008.
  3. Miller G. Clinical features and diagnosis of cerebral palsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 3, 2008.
  4. Parmet S, et al. JAMA patient page: Chickenpox. Journal of the American Medical Association. Accessed Sept. 4, 2008.
  5. Neurological consequences of cytomegalovirus infection information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cytomegalic/cytomegalic.htm. Accessed Sept. 4, 2008.
  6. Toxoplasmosis: Pregnant women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/toxoplasmosis/pregnant.html. Accessed Sept. 4, 2008.
  7. CDC fact sheet: Syphilis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/Syphilis/syphilis-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed Sept. 4, 2008.
  8. Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/encephalitis_meningitis/detail_encephalitis_meningitis.htm. Accessed Sept. 4, 2008.
  9. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Sept. 4, 2008.
  10. Miller G. Management and prognosis of cerebral palsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 5, 2008.

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Nov. 14, 2008

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