While rare, children may require brain or spine surgery following accidents or because of inherited conditions. Pediatric neurosurgery is a specialty that treats all types of brain, spinal and nervous system conditions in children. Our pediatric neurosurgery program is staffed by leaders in the field. Our multidisciplinary approach means that our neurosurgeons work alongside other experts to ensure your child has the best possible outcome:

• Geneticists
• Oncologists
• Orthopedic, plastic, trauma and general surgeons
• Pediatric neurologists
• Pediatricians
• Radiologists

Neuro-Oncology

Our pediatric neuro-oncology program specializes in cancers of the brain and spine. Neurologists work closely with pediatric hematology and oncology physicians, pediatric neurosurgeons, radiologists and other specialists to diagnose, evaluate and treat brain and spine tumors. Even for the most advanced and aggressive tumors, our team works collaboratively to safely treat your child. Our team approach ensures your child has the best care and the best possible outcome.

A multidisciplinary team of experts in pediatric neurosurgery

Our surgeons have extensive training from world-renowned children’s hospitals in all aspects of pediatric neurosurgery. Our multidisciplinary team of pediatric experts – including intensivists, neurologists, hematologist/oncologists, and orthopedic, plastic and trauma surgeons – provides exceptional care to manage the most complex disorders.

Whenever possible, pediatric neurosurgeons use minimally invasive endoscopes (or tubes) specifically designed for children. They view parts of the brain, skull or spinal cord through small openings rather than removing the scalp and skull. This results in a faster recovery time, a reduced risk of injury, shortened hospital stay and less pain and scarring.

At our children’s hospitals, care does not end after surgery. Our surgeons follow patients until growth of their skull or face is complete.

We specialize in treating:

• Craniofacial conditions: Any congenital or developed malformations of the face, head, neck, jaw or skull.
• Hydrocephalus: Water on the brain corrected through surgery in which shunts are placed to drain the excess fluid.

Congenital conditions:

• Apert syndrome
• Cleft lip and palate
• Crouzon syndrome
• Deformational plagiocephaly
• Ear deformity
• Isolated and syndromic craniosynostosis

Benign tumors: Noncancerous growths in the brain, skull and spine including adenoma, fibroma, hemangioma, meningioma (in the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord), neuroma (in nerve tissue) and osteochondromas (in bone).

Developed conditions: A developed disease or condition resulting from an accident or traumatic injury.

Malignant tumors: Complex cancerous tumors of the nervous system, including brain, spinal cord, skull and peripheral nerve tumors, may require advanced surgical techniques, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Pediatric neurovascular conditions: Our surgeons address congenital and acquired vascular diseases of the brain and spinal cord, such as strokes, cavernous malformations, arterial venous malformations and moyamoya (abnormalities in the blood vessels).

Pediatric spine disorders: We recognize children require different surgical approaches than adults. Our delicate, child-sized equipment allows us to perform even the most intricate procedures for spinal tumors, scoliosis, spina bifida and trauma.