By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — June 14, 2026
finding a pediatric neurologist in the east valley
A new seizure, headaches that won't quit, developmental delays, or behavioral changes you can't explain will send any parent scrambling for answers. If you live in Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, or the surrounding East Valley communities, you no longer have to drive across the Valley or fly to an out-of-state specialty center to get strong pediatric neurology care.
At Rose Medical Pavilion, Dr. Tamara Zach MD treats neurological conditions in children and adolescents across the Phoenix metro area, with a deliberate focus on keeping specialist care accessible for East Valley families. Maybe your pediatrician just referred your child for a first evaluation. Maybe you've managed a chronic condition for years. Either way, start with what a pediatric neurologist does and when to call one.
what a pediatric neurologist actually does
Pediatric neurologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in children from infancy through young adulthood. Adult neurologists aren't trained for this. The same condition looks different at different developmental stages, and a developing brain responds to treatment in ways an adult brain doesn't.
Dr. Zach is board certified in pediatric neurology and evaluates conditions including:
- Seizure disorders and epilepsy
- Migraine and chronic headache syndromes
- Tics and Tourette syndrome
- Developmental and intellectual delays
- Attention, learning, and behavioral concerns with neurological causes
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury
- Movement disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder (the neurological evaluation component)
A first visit usually means a detailed medical and developmental history, a structured neurological exam, and a conversation about what comes next. That might be diagnostic testing, medication, therapy referrals, or watchful waiting with a clear follow-up plan.
why east valley families come in
Seizures and Epilepsy
Seizures send more children to a pediatric neurologist than almost anything else. Arizona's summer heat plays a part. High temperatures and dehydration trigger febrile seizures in young children and lower the seizure threshold in kids who already have epilepsy. If your child has had a first seizure or takes anti-seizure medication now, a careful evaluation that includes a pediatric EEG can clarify the diagnosis and shape a treatment plan built around your child's specific seizure type. Read more about what Dr. Zach evaluates on our pages covering pediatric seizures and pediatric epilepsy.
Headaches and Migraines
School-age kids get migraines, and doctors miss them constantly. In our climate, dehydration and heat exposure set off or worsen headache patterns, especially during the school year when kids spend time outdoors. If your child keeps missing school because of head pain, or over-the-counter medications have stopped working, a structured evaluation for pediatric headaches can change daily life for the better.
Developmental Concerns and Early Intervention
If your child has a developmental delay, you may already be working with the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), which serves children from birth through age two. When a child ages out of AzEIP, or when the concern has a suspected neurological cause like a genetic condition, an abnormal MRI finding, or a loss of skills, a pediatric neurology evaluation is the next step. Dr. Zach works alongside developmental pediatricians, therapists, and school teams to keep care coordinated and centered on the family.
Tics and Tourette Syndrome
Motor and vocal tics usually start in the early school years, and they're more common than most parents realize. If your child makes repetitive movements or sounds that look involuntary, a neurologist who specializes in tics and Tourette syndrome can explain the diagnosis, tell you when treatment makes sense, and point you toward behavioral therapy resources in the East Valley.
insurance and access for arizona families
Rose Medical Pavilion works to keep care reachable for East Valley families. If you're enrolled in AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, call the office directly to confirm current insurance participation and referral requirements. Medicaid plans vary by contractor. Plenty of families are surprised that specialty pediatric neurology care doesn't require a long wait or a big out-of-pocket bill once they follow the right referral pathway.
If your child's pediatrician recommended a neurology referral, ask them to send records ahead of time. That alone speeds up the first appointment. Bring a written timeline of symptoms, any prior EEG or imaging reports, and a list of current medications so Dr. Zach can use your visit well.
why families choose rose medical pavilion
Families pick Dr. Tamara Zach MD because she communicates clearly, practices evidence-based medicine, and treats parents as partners. Neurology appointments intimidate people, especially parents still processing a new or unexpected diagnosis. Dr. Zach explains findings in plain language, answers questions fully, and makes sure families walk out with a plan they understand and can actually follow.
For children with chronic conditions, continuity matters. A specialist who knows your child's history, talks to your pediatrician, and adjusts the plan as your child grows produces better long-term outcomes.
ready to schedule an appointment?
If your child has a neurology referral, or you have concerns you want evaluated, Rose Medical Pavilion welcomes new patients across the Phoenix East Valley, including Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, and Scottsdale. Contact our team to schedule with Dr. Tamara Zach MD and get answers and a clear plan for your child's neurological health.
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.