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

  • Parent blog: Jennifer and Matthew Woodley

    Molly Woodley with her provider Born at 24 weeks gestation at 1 pound, our daughter Molly was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy when she was 2 1/2 years old. Read more

  • Parent Blog: Sara Erbes

    Grayson Erbes sitting on hospital bed "UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital helped save Grayson’s life. Without their expertise, Grayson could’ve had a very different outcome." Sara Erbes Read more

  • 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
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)
  • University of Iowa Health Care—Johnston
    8605 Chambery Blvd
    Johnston, Iowa 50131
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884 (855 KID AT UI)
  • Pediatric Specialty Services - Dubuque
    777 Mazzuchelli Street
    Dubuque, Iowa 52001
    Contact
    • 1-855-543-2884 (855 KID AT UI)

Care Team