By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — June 14, 2026
preparing for your child's first pediatric neurology visit
A referral to a pediatric neurologist can rattle you, especially when you're already worried about your child. Maybe your pediatrician noticed something at a checkup. Maybe your child gets headaches, or you watched what might have been a seizure. Knowing what happens at that first appointment changes how you and your child feel walking in.
At Rose Medical Pavilion in Phoenix, Dr. Tamara Zach MD and her team try to make every family's first neurology visit clear, calm, and productive. Here's what happens before, during, and after, so nothing catches you off guard.
why your child got referred
A pediatric neurologist treats conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in children, from infancy through the teen years. Pediatricians send children for a lot of different reasons:
- Seizures or episodes that look like seizures
- Frequent or severe headaches and migraines
- Developmental delays or regression
- Movement disorders, tics, or tremors
- Weakness, numbness, or coordination problems
- Concussion recovery that's stalled
- Attention, learning, or behavioral concerns with a neurological component
A referral doesn't mean something is seriously wrong. It means your pediatrician wants a specialist's read. Dr. Zach evaluates your child carefully, explains what she finds, and maps out where you go next.
what to bring
Gather information before the visit. The more history Dr. Zach can see, the more she can do with your appointment. Plan to bring:
Medical records and documentation
- A summary from your child's pediatrician, including why they referred you
- Any prior imaging (MRI, CT scans) on a disc or through a patient portal
- Previous lab results or specialist notes
- A list of all current medications, supplements, and dosages
- Vaccination records if your child is young
A written symptom history
Parents usually know their child's neurological symptoms better than anyone. Before your appointment, write down when symptoms started, how often they happen, what they look like, how long they last, and whether anything sets them off or eases them. If your child has had episodes like possible pediatric seizures or fainting spells, record a short video on your phone. It helps Dr. Zach's evaluation more than you'd expect.
Insurance and program information
If your child is covered through AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program), bring the member ID and plan information. Families enrolled in Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) services for children under three should bring any evaluation reports from that program too. They give useful developmental context for the visit.
what happens during the appointment
Your first visit with Dr. Zach runs longer than a standard checkup, usually 45 to 60 minutes. That's deliberate. Neurological evaluations need detailed conversation and a careful physical exam.
The medical history interview
Dr. Zach starts with detailed questions about your child's symptoms, birth history, developmental milestones, family medical history, and how things are going at school. There are no wrong answers. She's building a full picture. Bring notes or a timeline if you've made one. Many families say this is the most useful part of the visit, because it finally organizes information they've been carrying around for months.
The neurological exam
Next comes a child-friendly neurological exam. Depending on age, this might mean watching how your child walks, testing reflexes, checking coordination, watching eye movements, and assessing strength and sensation. With younger children, she folds developmental observations into play. Most kids find the exam interesting rather than scary, and the team knows how to keep them relaxed.
Talking about next steps
At the end, Dr. Zach shares her first impressions and discusses any testing she recommends. That might include a pediatric EEG to look at brain wave activity, blood work, neuroimaging, or a referral to another specialist. She explains the reason for each recommendation in plain language, so you know what she's looking for and why.
getting your child ready
Children do better when they know what's coming. For younger kids, describe the visit as "a doctor who checks how your brain and body work together." For older children and teens, have a short, honest conversation about why you're going, without making it sound like a disaster.
A Phoenix-specific tip: book mornings. They tend to go easier, especially during Arizona summers. Cooler morning temperatures mean less heat stress before the visit, and kids are more alert and cooperative early. If your child has a condition affected by heat (some neurological conditions and medications increase heat sensitivity), tell the office when you schedule.
after the appointment
Rose Medical Pavilion staff help coordinate any ordered tests, follow-ups, or specialist referrals. If you need an EEG or MRI, you'll get preparation instructions specific to your child. Dr. Zach reviews every result herself and gets findings back to your family promptly.
If your child is eventually diagnosed with something like pediatric epilepsy, migraines, or a movement disorder, the first appointment is the start of an ongoing relationship. Dr. Zach and her team stay involved in your child's care for as long as it takes.
ready to schedule?
Dr. Tamara Zach MD is board-certified in pediatric neurology and keeps families informed and supported from the first visit on. If your child has been referred, or you have concerns you'd like evaluated, reach out to our Phoenix office to schedule a consultation. You don't have to handle this alone, and the answers you want start here.
Schedule an Appointment
Questions about your child's neurological health? Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) or schedule online.