Pediatric Neurosurgery in Las Vegas, NV, at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican Hospitals
Pediatric neurosurgery is surgical care for children with diseases and conditions of the nervous system, brain, and spinal cord. Pediatric neurosurgery focuses on children and teenagers younger than age 18.
Pediatric neurosurgeons perform surgery on children and teens who have conditions or diseases that affect their brain or spinal cord. These may include:
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Traumatic brain and spine injuries
- Hydrocephalus, an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain
- Vascular malformations
- Spinal deformities such as spina bifida
- Brain and spinal tumors
- Congenital problems of the central nervous system
At Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals, we understand that the need for pediatric neurosurgery can be intimidating, but you can trust our skilled team of specialists. To learn more about pediatric neurosurgery in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV, find a neurologist or neurosurgeon associated with St. Rose Dominican or call (702) 616-4900.
What to Expect from Your Pediatric Neurosurgery Experience
A pediatric neurosurgeon will perform several tests to determine if surgery is needed or the best approach for surgery. Neurosurgery is sometimes planned ahead of time, but it also may be an emergency surgery. This could happen if your child or teen has spine or brain trauma from a fall or some type of accident. Tests may include:
- Electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity from the brain to the muscles
- X-rays of the brain and spine
- Brain scans with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, and/or positron emission tomography (PET)
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain activity
- Myelogram, which uses dye so the specialist can check for blockages in the spinal canal
- Blood tests, to rule out other physical problems and to ensure the child is healthy enough for surgery
Some patients may need more than one surgery, and some may require repeat surgeries as they grow. For example, a child with hydrocephalus who has a shunt may need repeat shunt surgery after a growth spurt or if it becomes blocked.
After neurosurgery, follow up visits with the neurosurgeon are important to monitor recovery and determine if other treatments or services, such as physical therapy, are needed.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals provides comprehensive care for pediatric neurosurgery in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV, as a part of our neurological services.