5th International Conference on Neuroscience and Mental Health

Pediatric neurology addresses the unique and critically important neurological needs of the developing brain, a period of rapid growth, vulnerability, and remarkable plasticity that sets the foundation for a child's entire future. This session brings together pediatric neurologists, developmental paediatricians, child psychiatrists, and researchers to share the latest advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurological conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. From the earliest days of neonatal neurology to the complex challenges of adolescent brain development, this session covers the full spectrum of pediatric neurological medicine with depth, rigour, and clinical relevance.

Childhood epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD continue to represent major clinical and public health challenges, and this session will present the most current evidence on their diagnosis, management, and long-term outcomes. Participants will hear about new antiepileptic drug developments, ketogenic dietary therapies, and surgical options for drug-resistant childhood epilepsy; advances in early cerebral palsy detection using neuroimaging and genetic biomarkers; and the neuroscience behind neurodevelopmental conditions, including the latest on brain connectivity, neurogenetics, and targeted interventions.

A strong emphasis will be placed on early intervention and family-centred care, the approaches that make the most meaningful difference in children's lives. The session will also address the growing importance of the transition from pediatric to adult neurological care, ensuring that young people with chronic neurological conditions do not fall through the gaps of the healthcare system. Neonatal neurology, genetic and metabolic neurological disorders, and pediatric neuroimaging advances will further enrich the programme, making this session an indispensable platform for all professionals dedicated to the neurological health of children.

Key topics:

• Childhood Epilepsy: Advances in diagnosis, pharmacological management, dietary therapies, and surgery for childhood epilepsy.
• Cerebral Palsy: Early detection, intervention strategies, neuroimaging findings, and long-term management approaches for cerebral palsy.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurobiology, early diagnosis, comorbidities, and evidence-based interventions for children on the autism spectrum.
• ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Brain mechanisms, diagnostic frameworks, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management strategies.
• Neonatal Neurology: Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, neonatal seizures, and early brain development in the newborn period.
• Genetic and Metabolic Neurological Disorders: Rare inherited neurological conditions, diagnosis, genetic counselling, and emerging treatment approaches.
• Pediatric Neuroimaging: How advanced MRI, EEG, and other imaging tools are improving diagnosis and management in pediatric neurology.
• Transition of Care: Best practices for transitioning adolescents with neurological conditions from pediatric to adult neurological services.