Neuropaediatrics

The Department of Paediatric Epileptology and Sleep Medicine specialises in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and sleep disorders in children and adolescents. With state-of-the-art technology and an interdisciplinary team, we offer highly specialised diagnostics and treatment on an outpatient and inpatient basis.

1. video EEG telemetry**

• Our video EEG telemetry unit enables continuous monitoring and recording of EEG data and video recordings. This advanced technology helps us to precisely diagnose and characterise seizures.
• Pre-surgical investigations: For patients for whom surgical treatment is being considered, we offer comprehensive pre-surgical investigations. These examinations help to localise the exact origin of the seizure and determine the best surgical options.

2nd epileptological consultation**

• In our epileptological consultation, we look after children and adolescents with various forms of epilepsy. Our specialised specialists offer individual advice and create tailored treatment plans that include drug and non-drug therapies.

3. second opinion consultation**

• We offer a special second opinion consultation for parents and patients who have already received diagnoses and treatment plans. Our team of experts reviews the existing findings and provides independent, well-founded recommendations.

Our team consists of experienced neuropaediatricians, epileptologists, neuropsychologists and specialists in care and neurophysiological diagnostics.

There is close collaboration with Neurosurgery UKBB, Radiology UKBB and USB as well as Nuclear Medicine. The inclusion of neuropsychology enables a comprehensive assessment of cognitive functions and behaviour in neurological disorders. This interdisciplinary collaboration ensures a holistic diagnosis and treatment of complex childhood epilepsies, in particular difficult-to-treat epilepsies, using the latest imaging techniques and specialised interventions.

Offer investigations:

Waking and sleep deprivation EEG, long-term EEGs with video (outpatient and inpatient)

EEG telemetry unit:

• Long-term video EEG monitoring (24h to 4 days)
• Indication: diagnostic and / or pre-surgical

Our paediatric sleep medicine department is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in children and adolescents. We offer comprehensive examinations and customised treatment plans to improve the quality of sleep and well-being of young patients.

Our team consists of neuropaediatricians, sleep physicians, developmental paediatricians, psychologists, pneumologists and intensive care physicians in collaboration with the ENT department.

Our sleep consultation hours

• Infant sleep and regulation consultation (especially 1st year of life): Dr Hannah Kümin, PD Dr Margarete Bolten
• Sleep consultation: Prof Alexandre Datta, Dr Binia Roth, Dr Mark Brotzmann, Dr Sarah Bürki

Our sleep laboratory

Our state-of-the-art sleep laboratory is specially equipped to meet the needs of children and adolescents. It provides a child-friendly environment where we conduct various sleep studies to make accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment strategies. Commonly investigated sleep disorders include:

• Sleep apnoea and other sheep-related breathing disorders
• Central hypersomnolence (e.g. narcolepsy, Kleine Levin syndrome, etc.)
• Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep)
• Parasomnias (e.g. sleepwalking, night terrors)
• Restless legs syndrome
• Circadian rhythm disturbances

Examinations in the sleep laboratory:

• Polysomnography
• MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test)
• MWT (Multiple Wax Lead Test)
• Actigraphies

Neuropsychological testing

Headaches in childhood are a common problem that can range from mild to severe. They can be caused by various things such as tension headaches, migraines, infections, eye problems or more serious illnesses.

Headaches can often be difficult to recognise in children as they may not be able to communicate their symptoms clearly. It is important to look out for signs such as frequent rubbing of the head, avoidance of light or noise, nausea, vomiting or changes in behaviour.

The diagnosis of headaches in children often requires a thorough medical history and physical examination and, if necessary, further tests such as imaging or blood tests to rule out more serious causes.

Neurocutaneous syndromes are rare genetic diseases that affect both the skin and the nervous system. They are caused by mutations in the genes that control the development of skin and nerve cells. These syndromes can cause a variety of symptoms, including skin changes such as white or brown patches, vascular abnormalities and neurological problems such as seizures, developmental delays or intellectual impairment. This type of disease can promote the growth of tumours.

The most common neurocutaneous syndromes include neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). These syndromes can range from mild to severe and often require multidisciplinary treatment by dermatologists, neurologists, geneticists and other specialists.

Diagnosis of neurocutaneous syndromes often requires careful clinical evaluation as well as imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray and ultrasound to identify changes in the brain or other affected organs. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and may include medication, surgery or other interventions to slow the progression of the disease or treat complications.

It is important that patients with neurocutaneous syndromes receive regular care from an interdisciplinary team of medical specialists to optimally manage their health and improve their quality of life. Early intervention and comprehensive support can help improve long-term outcomes for patients with neurocutaneous syndromes.

Here at the UKBB, we offer a specialised neurocutaneous orthopaedic consultation. Under the direction of Professor Dr Andreas Krieg and Dr Patricia Dill, we also see and advise adult patients and refer them to other specialists from our network depending on their main concerns.