Neurology
The Division of Pediatric Neurology serves patients with diseases of the brain, peripheral nervous system (nerves), and muscles. The division's faculty and staff include four pediatric neurologists, three pediatric neurology fellows, two nurse practitioners, and four clerical assistants. Due to the nature of our patient's conditions, we also work closely with members of other divisions including Adult Neurology, Child Development and Behavioral Health, Developmental Pediatrics, Medical Genetics, Neuropsychology, and Neurosurgery.
To further medical knowledge and offer our patients cutting-edge treatments, members of the division participate in research sponsored by the NIH, pharmaceutical industry, and private foundations. We also participate in medical student and resident education through clerkships and other clinical experiences. Finally, our faculty members are regular contributors to the medical literature.
Treatments
Epilepsy Clinic
Seizures and other paroxysmal disorders are the most common clinical problems encountered by the Pediatric Neurologist. Our Epilepsy Clinic is designed to provide special expertise for both the medical and surgical treatment of childhood seizure disorders. Duke University Health System has an outstanding medical and surgical epilepsy team and a strong basic science epilepsy program with international recognition. Mohamad Mikati, MD, one of the Epilepsy Clinic attending physicians, is widely recognized for his clinical and research efforts in pediatric epilepsy. William Gallentine, DO, also sees patients in the Epilepsy Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call: 919-668-0477.
Spasticity Clinic
Spasticity (muscle tightness) is a sign commonly seen in children who have endured brain damage, especially cerebral palsy. The condition makes it difficult for people to perform fine motor tasks, such as writing, and causes problems with balance and walking. Although many times the disorder causing spasticity is not progressive, the consequences of muscle spasms may worsen over time. Spasticity can interfere with daily activities and, in more severe cases, cause significant pain and snap joints out of alignment. Ideally, the treatment of spasticity is provided by a multidisciplinary team including a physical therapist, occupational therapist, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, and neurosurgeon. The patient's condition determines which team members have more prominent a role.
Medical management of spasticity is accomplished through surgery or using pharmaceutical agents. Recently published data has demonstrated that Botox injections reduce the muscle tightness seen in patients with cerebral palsy. When given in combination with physical therapy, the injections help patients strengthen their weak muscles and restore normal movement. Although anesthesia is not required for Botox injections, we at Duke developed a system for sedating children with inhaled anesthetics similar to the laughing gas used in many dental offices. The result of this practice has made a painful procedure painless and significantly improving the accuracy of the injections. The effect of the injections generally last about three months.
Neurofibromatosis Clinic
Neurofibromatosis (NF), one of the most common genetic disorders, is characterized by the formation of tumors involving nerve tissue in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, cranial nerves, and spinal root nerves. Other abnormalities can develop in the skin and bones. The symptoms of NF can be varied and evolve over time. Because of the progressive nature of these conditions, the Duke Neurofibromatosis Clinic, under the direction of Fawn Leigh MD, provides ongoing, specialized multidisciplinary care that is customized according to each patient’s medical, laboratory, and surgical needs.Headache Clinic
Acute, recurrent headaches affect approximately 10% of the pediatric population, causing the potential for significant disability to the child and family. Home, school and social environments are also affected by these headaches. The majority of the acute, recurrent headaches identified in children meet established criteria for "migraine headache." Another less common headache type seen in children is "tension headache." Once a secondary cause for the headaches has been excluded, an aggressive management approach is initiated. Members of the Pediatric Headache Clinic use the latest medical information available to recommend prophylactic and episodic medications to treat the child with headache. In addition, and based on each patient's circumstances, complementary approaches such as the use of biofeedback or other biobehavioral strategies may be recommended. The outcome of this multifaceted approach is a child with fewer headaches, and improved quality of life.
Physicians and Staff
Physicians
| Name | Areas of Special Interest |
|---|---|
| William B. Gallentine, DO | Most pediatric neurological problems, special interest include epilepsy, neurometabolic and neurodegenerative disorders |
| Fawn Leigh, MD | Neurofibromatosis, seizures, hypotonia |
| Darrell V. Lewis, MD | Epilepsy |
| Mohamad Mikati, MD | Intractable epilepsy and epileptic encephalopathies, presurgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery, development and testing of new antiepileptic drugs, febrile seizures, general pediatric neurology |
| Edward C. Smith, MD | General child neurology with special interest in neuromuscular disorders |
Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth Rende, RN, MSN, CPNP |
Nurse Practitioner - headaches |
| Michelle Canfield, RN, MSN, FNP-BC | Nurse Clinician |
| Administrative Staff |
|
| Rhonda Adams |
Financial Analyst (Research, Clinical Trials) |
| Kimberly Bradsher | Medical Secretary |
| Karen Cornett |
Clinical Research Coordinator II |
| Terry Hales |
Training Program Coordinator |
| Jesse Kaluka | Administrative Manager |
| Netter Murphy | Medical Transcriptionist |
| Carol Wright | Medical Secretary |
| Amy Xu | Data Manager |
Clinic Hours and Location
Neurology Clinic
Third Floor
2301 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27710
Tel: 919-668-4144
Hours: Daily, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Appointments and Contact Information
All patients must be referred by their primary care provider. To serve our patients and referring physicians, faculty physicians covering pediatric neurology are always on call to answer questions and provide consultation.
- For a new appointment, please call 919-668-0477 extension 2.
- For a return appointment, please call 919-668-0477 extension 1.
- For urgent calls during business hours, call the divisional office at 919-668-0477 extension 2.
- For urgent calls after business hours, on weekends, or on holidays, please call 919-684-8111 and ask the operator to page the pediatric neuology resident on call.
- For physicians requesting consultations or making referrals, please call the Duke Consultation and Referral Center at 800-MED-DUKE (800-633-3853).
