I provide holistic, evidence-based and collaborative neurologic care that includes thorough neurological assessments, individualized treatment plans and ongoing education to manage chronic or acute conditions, especially migraines.
About Carolyn E. Hickman, PNP
Carolyn Hickman, PNP-PC, PhD, is a pediatric nurse practitioner and director of advanced clinical practice in the Department of Neurology at Phoenix Children's. Carolyn treats children with a wide range of neurological conditions and disorders, including headaches, migraines, simple seizures and developmental delay.
Carolyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, and is certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
In addition to her clinical role at Phoenix Children's, Carolyn is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Child Health at The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix. She is a member of the Association of Child Neurology Nurses, the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Carolyn also serves on the Scientific Review Committee, the Institutional Review Board, the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board Examination Committee at Phoenix Children's.
Previously, Carolyn was the clinical director of a school-based health clinic where she managed acute health conditions in an elementary school setting. Her research has been published in the peer-reviewed publications Cephalalgia and Current Pain and Headache Reports. She is the recipient of a 1803 APRN Preceptor Grant, in recognition of her commitment to training future advanced practice nurses.
In her free time, Carolyn enjoys hiking, gardening and traveling.
Medical School / Education
(MSN) from Clemson University in Clemson, SC
(PhD), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
Academic Affiliations
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
Professional Affiliations
Member, Association of Child Neurology Nurses
Member, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
Olfat M, Hosseinpour S, Masoumi S, Rastogi R, Hastriter E, Little R, Karnik K, Hickman C, et. Al. "A Comparative Study on Prophylactic Efficacy of Cinnarizine and Amitriptyline in Childhood Migraine: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial" Cephalalgia. 2024 Apr;44(4):3331024241230963. doi: 10.1177/03331024241230963. PMID: 38641932
Rastogi R, Hastriter E, Evan R, Bassal F, Hickman C, Karnik K, Little R, Lewis K. "Advances in the Acute and Preventive Treatment of Pediatric Migraine" Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2023 Oct;27(10):521-529. doi: 10.1007/s11916-023-01157-8. Epub 2023 Aug 10. PMID: 37561313
Relationship Between Adolescents with Chronic Daily Headaches and Family Dynamics
What led you to your career as a neurology doctor/surgeon?
My interest in neurology developed during my daughter’s extended hospitalization at Boston Children’s Hospital because of status epilepticus and hemiparesis secondary to encephalitis.
What is the best thing about your job?
The opportunity to work with children and families.
Have you received a special gift of thanks or piece of artwork from a child?
Yes, multiple pictures that children color in the office setting.
What is your favorite children’s book?
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
How do you go about calming a child’s fears, aside from the wonderful work of the Child Life team?
I mimic bird and other animal sounds, which the children typically respond positively to.
How do you build trust with a parent?
By being honest with the parent about what’s going on with his/her child.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Gardening, hiking, and traveling
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Va Bene Italian Restaurant in Ahwatukee
Can you tell us about your family?
I am married and have 3 adult children (2 boys and a girl). My youngest son attended Arizona State University, majoring in Chemical Engineering. My oldest son graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Business Communications. My daughter graduated from Arizona State University with an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering and from the University of Vermont with a Doctor of Medicine degree. She recently completed her intern year. My husband is a Chemical Engineer and has a job that has allowed him to travel extensively across the continent.
Where are you originally from, and how did you get here?
I was reared in South Carolina, moved to Derry, New Hampshire upon graduation from college, and moved to Arizona because of a job transition for my husband.
Rating & Reviews
Dr Hickman is great she always makes me feel better '_?
We have been seeing this provider for a while now and it has always been a great experience. This doctor is very knowledgable and we feel comfortable with her treating our child.
We appreciate how thorough our appointment was.
Dr Hickman is the best, my daughter looks towards her appointments because Dr Hickman listens and asks how my daughter is doing and her needs. Thank you so much Dr Hickman we love you. ? always has a beautiful smile from the beginning to the end of the appointment.