Neurology

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Brain and Nerves

A child who has seizures, delayed development (such as sitting, speaking, walking), weakness, unusual headaches or abnormal movements should see a doctor who specializes in the care of children’s brain or nervous system disorders.

A pediatric neurologist has been specially trained to understand a child’s developing nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves, and to treat diseases that affect the nervous system.

Clinical advances and new research have brought pediatric neurology into a new era. At University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital we work with patients and their families to educate them about their disorder and provide them with ongoing care and support.

Our services include evaluation and treatment of a range of disorders, including:

  • Epilepsy
  • Seizures
  • Headaches
  • Developmental delays
  • Sleep disorders
  • Muscle and nerve diseases leading to weakness
  • Genetic disorders of the brain and nervous system

Iowa Comprehensive Epilepsy Program (ICEP) offers specialized care for infants and children who have epilepsy, and related conditions. The Pediatric Outpatient Clinic focuses on the comprehensive diagnosis, education, and management of seizures, spells, and epilepsy.

In February 2015, UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital was named a Certified Duchenne Care Center by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) and demanding optimal care for all people with Duchenne. UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is the seventh center to be certified by PPMD, recognizing the Hospital’s dedication to improving care for people living with Duchenne.

Pediatric neuromuscular services are also available in several communities throughout Iowa.

Health Information

Patient Stories

  • Cien Currie

    Cien Currie, portrait Cien was not meeting his developmental milestones in his first few months of life. One evening, he suddenly had a seizure, which led him to be hospitalized in a Des Moines hospital for a month. When his seizures continued to worsen, he was transported by AirCare to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, where pediatric neurologists diagnosed him with agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC) – a rare disorder where the middle of the brain does not fully form. Read more

  • Enzo Thongsoum

    Enzo Thongsoum, portrait Enzo was a healthy toddler until he fell ill at 21 months old. A cold led to weeks of unexplained seizures and worsening health. He spent two weeks in his local hospital, and when he became unresponsive, he was transferred by helicopter to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Pediatric neuromuscular specialists diagnosed Enzo with a rare disease, discovered in 2007, called anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis – a disease where the immune system attacks the brain – and began extensive treatment. Read more

  • Parent Blog: Amber and Jason Miller

    Pierce Miller, portrait "For a mom with a child that has multiple special needs and multiple medications it’s one less thing that I have to worry about." Read more

  • Minnesota boy is 'frequent flyer' for clinical trial at UI Clinical Research Unit

    Ben Schuster, photo Once a week, Ben Schussler boards a plane for his experimental treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This clinical trial is testing whether a new therapy will change the progression of DMD. Our researchers are working to improve the outcomes for those diagnosed with DMD.Read more

  • Parent Blog: Leann Putz

    Anthony and Leann Portrait Leanne Putz came across “The Story of Ferdinand” when her son was at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Over the next 12 years, the story became a source of strength. Read more
View all related Patient Stories

News Articles

Locations and Contact

  • UI Health Care—Iowa River Landing East
    Suite 201 B
    920 East 2nd Avenue
    Coralville, Iowa 52241
    Hours
    • Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Contact
    • 1-319-467-2000
    • 1-855-467-3700
  • UI Stead Family Children's Hospital
    2400 Colloton Pavilion
    200 Hawkins Drive
    Iowa City, Iowa 52242
    In House Directions: UI Stead Family Children's Hospital public elevator, Level 2
    Hours
    • Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884 (855 KID AT UI)
    • 1-319-356-1616 (Emergency)
  • UI Stead Family Children's Hospital–Quad Cities
    Suite 400
    865 Lincoln Road
    Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884 (855 KID AT UI)
  • University of Iowa Health Care–Cedar Falls
    2624 Orchard Drive
    Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884
  • Mercy Medical Center
    250 Mercy Drive
    Dubuque, Iowa 52001
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884 (855 KID AT UI)
  • University of Iowa Health Care—Johnston
    8605 Chambery Blvd
    Johnston, Iowa 50131
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884 (855 KID AT UI)

Care Team