Pediatric Neurosurgery

Pediatric neurosurgery requires significant surgical skills, considerable medical expertise, and an extra-large dose of kindness and compassion. The neurosurgeons at Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California, provide the highest quality pediatric care in a family-friendly setting that helps ease anxiety. These board-certified specialists consider caregivers an integral part of the team and provide the details you need to make informed decisions about a child’s health. Schedule an evaluation today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.  

What is pediatric neurosurgery?

Pediatric neurosurgeons treat children from newborn through adolescence. Children experience different neurological issues than adults and often respond differently to surgical procedures for conditions such as brain or spinal cord tumors, movement disorders, or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Because of these differences, pediatric neurosurgeons undergo additional training in pediatric neurosurgery following four or more years of neurosurgery residency, preceded by medical school. This extensive training and their significant clinical experience equip the Coast Neurosurgical Associates surgeons with the skills they need to provide exceptional pediatric neurosurgery services.

What conditions does a pediatric neurosurgeon treat?

Pediatric neurosurgeons diagnose, treat, and manage various neurological disorders, including:

• Brain and spinal cord tumors
• Pituitary gland disorders and tumors
• Epilepsy
• Arteriovenous malformation and other cerebrovascular disorders
• Stroke
• Spina bifida
• Chiari malformation
• Craniofacial anomalies
• Hydrocephalus
• Spasticity
• Cerebral palsy
• Juvenile Parkinson’s disease
• Spinal disorders such as scoliosis
• Nerve injury
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

A pediatric neurosurgeon often develops long-term relationships with patients and their caregivers, sometimes caring for an individual from birth through adolescence.  

What if a child needs several surgeries or long-term care?

The Coast Neurosurgical Associates team makes every effort to support children and their caregivers before, during, and after surgery.

Starting with a thorough evaluation that may include a physical exam, neurological testing, and a careful review of a child’s medical history, your provider takes time to carefully explain the evaluation results and treatment plan before proceeding with the next step. 

For instance, hydrocephalus, which causes cerebrospinal fluid to build up in the brain, is usually a symptom of another problem. Thus, your child may require shunting to relieve pressure from the excess fluid and further investigation or surgery to correct the issue causing hydrocephalus.

Some pediatric conditions require multiple surgeries and long-term follow-up care with medication, rehab, and occupational or physical therapy. A pediatric neurosurgeon can continue seeing a child through adolescence. They also work closely with your child’s primary care provider to ensure open communication and continuity of care.

The team at Coast Neurosurgical Associates is aware of the anxiety and stress that understandably accompany pediatric illness. Patients appreciate their genuine compassion and optimistic approach to pediatric neurological care. And because Coast Neurosurgical Associates offers adult care, the relationship can continue beyond adolescence.

Schedule an evaluation today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.