Pediatric Neurosurgery

What is pediatric neurosurgery?

This is a subspecialty of that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of children with various neurosurgical disorders. These problems involve the head, spine, and nervous system.

Why see a Pediatric Neurosurgeon?

Pediatric neurosurgeons treat neurosurgical problems that are quite different from those generally seen by general neurosurgeons. Pediatric neurosurgeons have specialized in treating pediatric neurosurgical diseases. Children with neurosurgical diseases often require frequent and regular follow-ups throughout their childhood. They forge a longstanding relationship with the child so that the child is comfortable and relaxed.

Children sometimes cannot say what is bothering them. Answering medical questions can be difficult and they may not be cooperative or patient while undergoing a medical examination. Pediatric neurosurgeons have the extra knowledge on how to interact with their patients. In addition, they decorate their offices and hospitals with bright colors and cartoons to make the environment-friendly to the child. They may also have toys, reading and writing materials, and videos for children. In addition, they use facilities and equipment that are specially designed for use by children.

Pediatric neurosurgeons work closely with another doctor to ensure that your child receives the best possible care. They make use of support services from nurses, pediatric physicians, nutritionists and others to ensure that your child has all the necessary care. This also ensures that the care provided is comprehensive and coordinated at the same time.

Conditions treated include:

Head deformities Spinal deformities Brain tumorsHead injuries Problems and injuries of the brain, spine or nerves Birth injuries (weakness of arms and legs) Hydrocephalus Intractable epilepsy Craniosynostosis Gait abnormalities (spasticity)Arachnoid cysts Spina bifida Brachial plexus injury also is known as obstetric brachial plexus palsy Movement disorders Cerebral palsy Craniofacial syndromes Chiari malformation Achondroplasia Congenital malformations of the brain and spine Vascular abnormalities Skeletal dysplasia

Common procedures include: 

Biopsy: This is the removal of tissues for further examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy can be further classified into incisional biopsy where only a sample of tissue is removed, excisional biopsy whereby an entire suspicious area or lump is removed and needle biopsy where a sample of fluid or tissue is removed suing a needle.Stereotactical biopsy: This procedure maps the brain in a three-dimensional system. It is used together with CT and MRI scans to accurately target the area in question.Debulking: This is the surgical removal of a part of the tumor. It aims at decreasing the tumor burden on the surrounding structures.Gross total resection: This removes the entire tumor that is visible. This procedure is done when the pediatric neurosurgeon believes that the tumor can safely be removed without risk of unacceptable injury.Endonasal endoscopy: This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows the neurosurgeon to remove lesions or brain tumors through the sinuses r nose.

Training

Pediatric neurosurgeons have at least 4 years of medical school, 1 year of internship, at least 5 years of residency in neurological surgery. They also have additional training in pediatric neurosurgery. Pediatric neurosurgeons diagnose and treat children from infancy to their adolescence. Their unique and advanced training make them highly qualified for their chosen profession.