Children's Hospital Colorado

Neurology and Neurosurgery Education Videos

We provide comprehensive care for developmental and nervous system disorders ranging from complex neurosurgery to cognitive and behavioral counseling.

Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Neurology 2021-2 Badge

Our Neuroscience Institute specialists are specially trained to diagnose and treat disorders of the brain and nervous system. We’re committed to improving the quality of life for children with neurological disorders. Watch the provider education videos below to learn from our neurology and neurosurgery experts.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Diagnostic Overview

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the world’s fastest-growing developmental disability. It currently affects about 1 in 36 children in the United States — a 317% increase since the year 2000. Due to the increase in autism prevalence, primary care providers in community practice are seeing more children with ASD.

Understanding the behavioral symptoms of autism is a critical part of accurate autism diagnosis. In the video below, Elizabeth Coan, PsyD, explains the diagnosis criteria for autism, initiatives to help community providers diagnose and treat ASD and speaks about one of the programs she directs: the Pediatric Care Network Autism Program.

Distinguishing features of acute flaccid myelitis

In 2014, Teri Schreiner, MD, of Children’s Hospital Colorado and her colleagues recognized pediatric acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in a cluster of patients. The patients had a distinct presentation of flaccid limb weakness with preserved sensation, decreased reflexes and distinctive MRI findings.

In this video, Dr. Schreiner explains that while pediatric patients with AFM symptoms had been recognized previously, these cases were occurring at the same time and during a peak in the number of pediatric enterovirus D68 infections worldwide. In 2014, 2016 and 2018, there was a peak in the number of these cases reported to the CDC. She also discusses the importance of differentiating the type of pediatric acute flaccid paralysis, as treatment and prognostic implications differ.

Pediatric onset MS

Although rare, pediatric onset multiple sclerosis, or MS, in children can have serious consequences on their neurologic function, education development and social functioning. It's important to catch the disease early and manage it with a combination of therapies and strategies to optimize well-being, as treating the disease can prevent or lessen lifelong challenges, including cognitive sequelae.

In this video, neuroimmunologist Teri Schreiner, MD, explains disease-modifying therapies for MS. With various therapies available, the decision about which medication to start should be made jointly between the neurologist and the patient, with the understanding that adherence is crucial for maximal benefit and minimal side effects. Dr. Schreiner also discusses the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, in improving quality of life and reducing symptoms such as fatigue and mood disorders. Minimizing risk to the brain is also essential, including wearing seat belts and helmets and avoiding smoking.

Chromosome 15 and Related Disorders Clinic

People with chromosome 15 and related genetic disorders, such as Angelman syndrome, experience a variety of symptoms that affect physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities. Children’s Hospital Colorado offers a dedicated clinic focused on helping children and adults with complex medical needs related to chromosome 15 disorders achieve their full potential and live happy, active lives.

In this video, clinic founder Jessica Duis, MD, provides an overview of the Chromosome 15 and Related Disorders Clinic at Children’s Colorado, including the intake process with the multidisciplinary team of pediatric experts. From providing alternative communication devices to an emergency care hotline, the team at Children’s Colorado is well-prepared to meet the needs of their patients.

Pediatric palliative medicine: helping patients live well

Pediatric palliative care helps children with serious illnesses live as well as possible for as long as possible — with an understanding that both quantity and quality of life need to be considered. One of the challenges of palliative care is providing the appropriate balance of safety and comfort that optimizes longevity and relief from symptoms.

In this video, Lauren Treat, MD, offers her perspective on talking with families about palliative medicine, addresses some of the misconceptions in this field and provides tools for supporting families making medical decisions. As a child neurologist and palliative care physician, Dr. Treat understands how to provide tailored support for patients and families who are feeling overwhelmed by complex medical decisions.