A pediatric neurosurgeon (also known as a brain surgeon) often deals with problems that adult neurosurgeons do not. This is a highly specialized field, making it important to bring your child to a physician with a stellar reputation who is known for results.
Long-term relationships
Children that require neurosurgery as an infant or toddler often need continual monitoring throughout their lifetime. Additional procedures may become necessary as well. The child and neurosurgeon tend to form a bond that can last over more than a decade of treatment.
This bond allows for the child to be more comfortable with the idea of a procedure than if the child is incredibly uncomfortable with one. It is also important for both the family and patient to feel comfortable with whatever surgeon is performing the procedure.
Surgical intervention
Most physicians only recommend surgery for children as a last resort. Prior to reaching this point, medications, therapies, minimally invasive procedures and more are all possible options to try and treat conditions in a way that does not expose a child to surgical risk. However, this is not always possible because some conditions do not heal without the help of surgery. In this scenario, a neurosurgeon may provide the best opportunity for a child’s recovery.
Problems a pediatric neurosurgeon can help with
There are numerous reasons that children will require the help of a surgeon to address a neurological disorder. Among these reasons are diseases of the:
- Spinal cord
- Brain
- Nervous system
These diseases include the following conditions:
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can lead to convulsions and a loss of consciousness.
Tumors
Cancerous or otherwise, tumors can be dangerous and typically require removal before they get worse.
Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a birth defect known as a split spine that can lead to long-term deformities and damage.
Gait abnormalities
Gait abnormalities are when a child has trouble walking at normal functionality.
Brain, spine and nerve injuries
We can treat children who sustain brain, spine or nerve injuries. We treat these children who typically sustain the injury at birth.
Craniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis is a condition where a baby has an abnormally shaped skull.
Head deformities
Problems with head deformities are rare but need treatment as soon as possible.
Spine deformities
Fixing spine deformities in children is necessary for long-term health.
Specialty care for children
A pediatric neurosurgeon is highly trained and specializes in understanding a child’s symptoms. Since it is difficult for younger children to describe their pain, a pediatric neurosurgeon can interpret a child’s issues and recommend the best treatment. This is the height of pediatric care, given the level of skill and experience required to perform neurosurgery of any kind. It is critical to be confident in the surgeon treating your child and one way to do so is to schedule a consultation for an opinion.
Additionally, reading reviews from other patients, touring the hospital and meeting the staff can help to make this important decision. It is also wise to check the family insurance policy to ensure in-network coverage and benefits apply at that particular hospital.
Learn more
Any parent who is told that their child needs neurosurgery or is concerned that the child needs neurosurgery, speak with Dr. William Loudon. His experience will work for the benefit of your child’s health and well-being. We understand that this is a stressful and difficult time since no parent wants their child to be in poor health. We are here to make receiving treatment easier.