|
types
of providers
Pediatric neurologists
diagnose and treat diseases that involve the nervous system. Since the
brain, spine, and eye are integral part of the nervous system, the domain of
neurology overlaps that of psychiatry, orthopedics and ophthalmology.
Children with hemiplegia or stroke may see a neurologist to discover the
cause of their condition, recommendations for treatment, diagnosis and
treatment of a seizure disorder (epilepsy) and for other information
concerning their condition.
Neonatologists are
specially trained pediatricians who study the development and disorders of
sick newborn children.
Physiatrists (also
called Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists) are familiar with
rehabilitation from injuries including stroke.
Cardiologists study
the heart and its functions.
Hematologists diagnose
and treat diseases of the blood. A child who has had a stroke may
see a hematologist for tests to determine if the child has a blood
clotting disorder.
Developmental
pediatricians are specially trained pediatrician who is primarily concerned with the
evaluation of children's development. They often work in NICU follow-up
clinics and help to assess and treat developmental problems.
Pediatric
ophthalmologists can evaluate how well the eyes work together, exam
vision and health of eyes, prescribe glasses, diagnose eye disease and
perform corrective eye surgery.
Genetic counselors
are specialists who assess whether the hemiplegia or stroke may be due to
an inheritable condition.
Psychologists study the human mind and human behavior.
Psychologists sometimes gather information through by administering personality,
performance, aptitude, and intelligence tests. Other methods include observation, interviews, questionnaires, clinical studies, and
surveys. American
Psychological Association offers a feature called "Find a
Psychologist". Children with hemiplegia may see a psychologist
to have tests for learning differences, help with coping with the stress
of having a disability, and for behavioral issues.
Neuropsychologists study the relation between the brain and behavior.
National Academy of
Neuropsychology
International Neuropsychological Society
Counseling psychologists use various techniques, including interviewing
and testing, to advise people on how to deal with problems of everyday living.
Developmental psychologists study the physiological, cognitive, and
social development that takes place throughout life. Some specialize in
behavior during infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
American
Psychological Association, Division 7
Pediatric orthopedic
surgeons are concerned with deformities, injuries, and diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Treatment provided by an orthopedist may include manipulation, the fitting of braces or
other appliances, exercising, and surgery.
Physical therapist (PT) provide services that help restore function,
improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.
(U. S.
Department
of Labor)
American Physical Therapy Association
Physical therapist assistants and aides perform components of physical
therapy procedures and related tasks selected by a supervising physical therapist. These workers assist Physical Therapists in providing services.
(U. S. Department
of Labor)
Psychiatrist
The child and adolescent psychiatrist is a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of
Osteopathy who specializes in the diagnosis and, if indicated, the
treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and/or behavior affecting
children, adolescents, and their families.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent
Psychiatry
Occupational therapists (OTs)
help children improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living.
They help children succeed in their "occupation" of learning,
playing and growing. When skill and strength cannot be developed or improved,
occupational therapy offers creative solutions and resources for carrying out
the person's daily activities. They may help children
with hemiplegia with tasks such as improving hand function,
strengthening hand, shoulder and torso, and eating skills. In schools
they evaluate children’s abilities, recommend and provide therapy, modify classroom equipment, and in general, help children
participate as fully as possible in school programs and activities. American
Occupational Therapy Association offers a feature called "Find an
Occupational Therapist".
Speech-language
pathologist assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent speech, language, cognitive, communication, voice, swallowing, fluency,
and other related disorders; audiologists identify, assess, and manage auditory, balance, and other neural systems.
(U. S. Department of Labor)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Orthotist - are responsible for the provision of orthoses
(supportive devices such as braces) to children with muscular and skeletal disabilities. They aim to
maximize the function and comfort of the
client by providing the most appropriate prosthetic or orthotic treatment.
The Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics
American
Medical Association Public Information Includes "Doctor
Finder" and "Hospital Finder"
© Copyright 1997-2004, CHASA, All Rights Reserved
The information contained in this Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke
Association (CHASA) Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and
CHASA recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional.
|