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Programs and research
Top-notch programs
We offer comprehensive care to kids living with neurological conditions. Our specialty programs and clinics are recognized for excellence.
Specialized care for children of all ages
We offer specialty programs and clinics for many pediatric neurological conditions. These include:
Comprehensive Epilepsy Program
We provide the highest possible level of care to kids with epilepsy.
Headache services
We provide education and treatment for children with severe headaches and migraines in our UW Health Kids Headache Clinic in Madison, Wis., and our Neuro and Headache Center in Rockford, Ill.
UW Health Kids Neuromuscular Disorders Program
We provide care for children with complex nerve and muscle disorders.
UW Health Kids Neuropsychology Clinic
Our neuropsychologists work with children with brain disorders who have problems at home or school. Our team offers testing and assessments. We work with you and your child to develop a plan for their success.
UW Health Kids Spells Clinic
Babies and children often do unusual things: they may have twitching, jerking, staring, frequent falls or other abnormal movements. Many of these spells turn out to be benign, but some are more serious. At first, it can be hard to tell which kids need medical attention from a specialist and, if so, how urgently.
Partner clinics and programs
Our team partners with other UW Health Kids experts to provide neurological care for children with complex medical conditions. Our partner clinics and programs include:
Brachial Plexus Clinic
Cerebral Palsy Clinic
UW Health Kids Neurocutaneous Disorders Clinic
Medical Genetics Clinic
UW Health Kids Brain Care Clinic
UW Health Kids Neuro-oncology
UW Health Kids Pain Management Clinic
Advancing neurological care through research
Research at the University of Wisconsin
Members of our team lead research on epilepsy and spinal muscular atrophy.
UW Health Kids
Our pediatric experts have served the special needs of children for more than 100 years. We focus on each child’s unique needs and offer social and emotional support to help you and your child face even the most complex condition. Our long history includes the creation of medical advances that save lives around the world. Together, we get your child back to health and enjoying being a kid.
Conditions and treatments
Advanced care for the ones you care for most
Neurological disorders and diseases affect the nervous system, including the brain, nerves and spinal cord.
If your child is affected by a neurological condition, they may experience developmental delays or miss important milestones. Neurological conditions, like epilepsy or severe headaches, can also impact your child’s quality of life. We are dedicated to helping all children with neurological conditions achieve greater health and reach their full potential.
Complete care for neurological conditions
UW Health Kids neurologists evaluate and treat a wide range of neurological conditions.
Conditions we treat
Batten disease
Brain malformation
Brain trauma (including shaken baby syndrome and concussion)
Central nervous system infections (including meningitis)
Cerebral palsy
Developmental delay and regression
Encephalitis
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Epilepsy
Febrile seizures
Headaches and migraines
Infantile spasms
Genetic and metabolic disorders
Neurologic autoimmune disorders and conditions
Neuromuscular disorders
Pediatric stroke
Spinal muscular atrophy
Tremor and movement disorders
Personalized treatment for your child
There are many different treatments for neurological conditions. We match every child with the treatment that’s just right for them. We offer the latest medication therapies and surgeries. We also offer physical and occupational therapy to help your child with movement and everyday activities.
Please note: Not all services are provided at all locations.
Advanced care for seizures
Our team offers vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation and deep brain stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy.
We also offer ketogenic diet therapy. This special low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet can help to control the frequency of seizures in children with epilepsy.
Headache control
We offer Botox injections, nerve blocks, trigger point injections and neuromodulation treatments to relieve headaches.
The latest treatment therapies
Our team was the first in Wisconsin to use Zolgensma, a gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Gene therapy works by replacing a defective or missing gene.
We were also among the first programs to offer Spinraza to treat spinal muscular atrophy. This medication increases the production of a protein that plays an important role in protecting and strengthening motoneurons that control muscle activity.
We are the first medical center in Wisconsin to provide Brineura infusions for treating neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (Batten disease). These infusions are given directly into the brain and provide dramatic improvements in controlling symptoms.
Locations
Where you need us
We offer specialized clinics within American Family Children’s Hospital and University Hospital in Madison, Wis. We also see patients at our general neurology clinic in Rockford, Ill.
Meet our team
An expert team of specialists here to help
The UW Health Kids neurology team includes experts in epilepsy, general neurology, neuromuscular disorders and neuropsychology.
Our providers
Life-changing care for brain and nervous system disorders
At UW Health, you will partner with doctors, dietitians, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other skilled health care providers to treat and manage symptoms of your condition.
Patient resources
Useful resources for you and your family
Helping your child heal should be your focus. We make everything else easy.
Patient and family visitor guide
Learn about the amenities and what to expect when you visit American Family Children's Hospital.
Family resources
General neurology information
Piper's story
New gene therapy in the first weeks of life
Piper was just a week old when her parents learned she had spinal muscular atrophy. Without treatment, her muscles would weaken. Breathing and eating would become difficult. At three weeks old, Piper became the first child in Wisconsin treated with a new gene therapy, called Zolgensma, for spinal muscular atrophy.