Pediatric Neurosurgery at Boys Town National Research Hospital (original) (raw)

​​​​​​​​​​​Boys Town Pediatric Neurosurgery provides comprehensive life-changing care to children with neurosurgical conditions. Infants, children and adolescents who have injuries or disorders of the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves benefit from our wholistic approach, advanced treatments and high-level care.

When your child needs general or specialty neurosurgery, expertise matters most. You can put your trust in the expert surgeons and providers at Boys Town National Research Hospital. Our team of fellowshi​p-trained​​​ pedi​atric neurosurgeons addresses common to complex brain and spinal disorders.

Our Approach to Life-Changing Care

Our goal is your goal - to see your child smile and thrive. We understand the worry you experience when a loved one needs brain surgery. That’s why our highly skilled and highly trained neurosurgery team is committed to earning your trust, answering your questions, alleviating yo​ur concerns, comforting your child and ensuring the highest quality care. We will be at your side through the admissions, surgery and recovery process, providing personalized attention and seamless support.

Compassionate Care for Complex Neurological Conditions

Our team of neurosurgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses, anesthesiologists and child life specialists work hand in hand to deliver the most scientifically advanced techniques, therapies and medications when children undergo surgical procedures, including:

• Brain Tumor Surgery
• Craniosynostosis Surgery
• Craniotomy
• Epilepsy Surgery
• Laminectomy (tethered spinal cord surgery)
• Muscle Biopsy
• Peripheral Nerve Surgery
• Posterior Fossa Surgery/Craniocervical decompression
• Skull Base Surgery
• Spina Bifida Surgery
• Spine Surgery/Spinal cord surgery
• Vagal Nerve Stimulation/RNS
• Ventricular Shunt/Hydrocephalus surgery

Children undergoing pediatric surgery are admitted to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Conditions We Treat

Our pediatric neurosurgeons are experienced in treating conditions including:

• Hydrocephalus is the ​buildup of fluid deep in the cavities of the brain. Fluid typically runs through the cavities bathing the brain and spinal column, however, when there is too much, excess fluid increases the size of the cavities and puts pressure on the brain. This pressure can cause damage to brain tissue and a range of impairments with brain function.
• Craniosynostosis occurs when the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early. As the brain grows, the skull becomes misshapen, and the brain may not have enough room to grow to its typical size. This can cause a build-up of pressure within the skull.
• Tumors in these areas are abnormal growths of cells and tissue that can lead to neurologic deficits and problems depending on its location.
• These are abnormal lesions on or in the skull bone that can be painful or disfiguring.
• Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder. Those affected have abnormal brain activity that causes seizures. Neurologists need to follow these patients and in conjunction with these neurologists, it is determined if the patient is an appropriate candidate for epilepsy surgery.
  Vagal Nerve Stimulation/RNS - Vagal nerve stimulation uses a device to stimulate the nerve with electrical impulses. RNS works in a similar manner, except the stimulus is in the brain instead of the nerve. The neurostimulation will help treat epilepsy.
• Chiari malformations occur when the area of the base of the skull and upper neck is abnormal. This can cause many things including headache and brainstem dysfunction.
• Tethered spinal cord is a syndrome that is caused by tissue attachments that put the spinal cord on stretch and cause pain, weakness and issues with bladder, bowels, and walking.
• Spina bifida occurs when a spine and spinal cord do not form correctly. This birth defect ranges from mild to severe depending on the type, location and size.
• Congenital malformations of the brain and spine affect the form and function of the nervous system. The specific types of these malformations include: Chiari malformations, encephaloceles, arachnoid cysts, and spinal dysraphism.
• Muscle biopsies are procedures to diagnose diseases with muscle tissue. Muscle selected for the biopsy is dependent on the location of symptoms, but often are either the bicep, deltoid or quadriceps muscles.
• Craniocervical junction abnormalities occur in the bones that connect the head and neck. The abnormalities can be present at birth or can result from injuries or disorders later on. Most often individuals with these abnormalities have headaches or neck pain.

To schedule an appointment with a pe​​​diatric neur​osurgeon, please call (531) 355-6800.

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