Pediatric Neurosciences Center
The Pediatric Neurosciences Center is dedicated to offering specialized, multidisciplinary care for children with neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Our center integrates the expertise of child neurology, child psychiatry and psychology, and pediatric neurosurgery to deliver comprehensive care for various nervous system diseases and disorders affecting infants, toddlers and adolescents.
We specialize in the surgical and medical treatment of pediatric neurological disorders, such as hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury, brain and spine tumors, craniosynostosis, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, as well as medical and behavioral modification therapies for depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.
Our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) provides essential follow-up care for neurotrauma and serious head injuries in children. Our PICU is the only pediatric-specific ICU in Suffolk County, with pediatric surgery coverage available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As part of Stony Brook's commitment to the care of children and adolescents on Long Island, Stony Brook Children's Hospital is the only children's hospital west of the Nassau/Queens border. We offer state-of-the-art technology and world-class physicians, nurses, and medical researchers working together to promote the health and well-being of Long Island's children and adolescents.
Advances and Recognitions
The Stony Brook Pediatric Neurosciences team has received numerous accolades for their contributions to pediatric neurology and psychiatry, including:
- Dr. Gabrielle Carlson, MD: Expert in bipolar disorder research and recognized in Castle Connolly’s "New York’s Best Doctors" and for his clinical work in child psychiatry.
- Dr. Deborah Weisbrot, MD: Specialist in psychiatric aspects of pediatric multiple sclerosis and recognized in Castle Connolly’s "New York’s Best Doctors."
- Dr. Michael Egnor: Awarded for teaching excellence and work with abused children.
- Dr. David Chesler: Noted for his expertise in minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques, including for hydrocephalus.
- Dr. Richard Mattison: Received the Berman Award from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for research on learning disabilities.
Patient Resources
Educational Information and Websites
- Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Lourie Center for Pediatric MS
- Science News: Vitamin D Study
- American Epilepsy Foundation
Useful Definitions
Attention deficit disorder (ADD)/ attention deficit with hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be characterized by difficulty with the following: paying attention, concentrating, following directions, learning, keeping still, and completing tasks. Children with these disorders may be inclined to make impulsive decisions without stopping to think about the consequences of their choices. The disorder has three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
Also known as Chiari malformations (CMs), these structural defects are in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. CMs may develop when the bony space is smaller than normal, causing the cerebellum and brain stem to be pushed down toward the upper spinal canal. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum and brain stem may block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid—the clear liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord—to and from the brain and affect functioning.
This medical specialty studies the central and peripheral nervous systems through the recording of bioelectrical activity.
A birth defect in which the bones of the skull close prematurely, limiting or distorting the skull's growth. It is characterized in infancy by an abnormal but characteristic head shape.
These disorders interfere with a child's development or acquisition of basic skills. There are many categories of developmental disorders. Specific developmental disorders affect a narrow area of development, such as a learning disability. Pervasive development disorders, such as autism, may affect a child's development overall. An example is the autism spectrum disorders, which affect a child's acquisition of communication and social skills, sensitivity to sensory stimulation, and other areas. Children with developmental disorders vary widely in their abilities, intelligence, and needs.
Electroencephalography (EEG) measures the activity of neurons in the brain using electrodes attached to the head. It is useful in diagnosing epilepsy, coma, encephalopathy, and other brain disorders.
Recording electrical activity of the brain and nerves, such as with EEG, to diagnose illness and injuries.
Endovascular surgery is an innovative, less invasive procedure used to treat problems affecting the blood vessels, such as an aneurysm (swelling or "ballooning" of the blood vessel), using catheters (thin tubes) and devices such as stent or coils.
A neurological disorder characterized by seizures.
An acute autoimmune disease of the peripheral nervous system. There are six types of GBS, each with unique symptoms involving muscle weakness, paralysis, and other symptoms.
A condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the ventricles, or cavities, of the brain. The head may swell, and intracranial pressure may build, resulting in headache, nausea, sleepiness, coma, brain damage, or seizures.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision.
The EEG in congenital malformations of cortical development, neurocutaneous disorders, cerebral palsy, autism/mental retardation, and ADHD.
This medical subspecialty deals with cancers of the nervous system and spine.
This medical field focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of brain, spinal cord, vascular, and head and neck lesions or tumors using X-rays, magnetic fields, radio waves, and ultrasound.
Most common types include gliomas and medulloblastomas. Symptoms and signs occur due to pressure from the tumor on neural structures, with resultant irritation or destruction.
This condition is characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs, the gel-like cushions that separate each segment of the backbone or spine. Pain and stiffness in the neck and/or back can result, as well as pain that spreads to the back of the head, trunk, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, and feet.
A break in the cartilage surrounding a disc in the spine, causing pressure on spinal nerves that produces pain down the arms or legs. Usually preceded by an episode of neck or lower back pain or a long history of intermittent neck or back pain.
Commonly referred to as "broken" necks or backs, spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis and loss of motor function. Correcting defects associated with spinal cord injury can improve neurologic function.
Occurs when the spinal cord attaches itself to the bony spine and causes abnormal stretching. It can permanently damage the muscles and nerves in the lower body and legs.
