PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY

 

A subspeciality of neurosurgery, pediatric neurosurgery consists of surgical procedures that are related to the nervous system, brain and spinal cord and treats children with operable neurological disorders.

Generally, neurosurgical problems in children may be diagnosed at birth or can develop during a child’s later years. The disorders mainly involve the brain, spinal column or nerves and the symptoms may vary, depending on the site of damage. A child may show physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral symptoms that affect the control movement, communication, vision, hearing or thinking and so on. 

Many neurological disorders in toddlers are congenital which were present at birth whereas some developed afterwards. Those with an unknown cause are known as “idiopathic”

Some of the commonly known reasons are-

1. Developmental issues

2. Damaging infection

3. Brain injury.

The spinal cord and brain are covered with numerous membranes and the nerves that are located deep inside are sensitive to damage. The disorders can affect the entire neurological pathway and can result in dysfunction and can be the result of lifestyle or nutrition related issues, infections and/or physical injuries.

Some common symptoms of pediatric neurological disorders are”

1. Partial or complete paralysis

2. Muscle weakness

3. Partial or complete loss of sensation

4. Seizures

5. Difficulty in reading and writing

6. Poor cognitive abilities

7. Decreased alertness

8. Unexplained pain.

Few of the disorders that can have an early onset are-

• Myelomeningocele- It refers to absence of a portion of the backbone which leads to the herniation of a portion of the spinal cord outside. This may result in weakening and paralysis of lower limbs along with difficulties in passing urine and stool. It is suggested to be treated within the first 24 hours of birth whereas complexities such as hydrocephalus, neck problems and various orthopaedic deformities are to be corrected at a later date.

• Hydrocephalus- It refers to accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the head. This usually results in enlargement of the head, intellectual deficiency and complexities in vision. The reason for water accumulation can either be due to congenital defects in the head or spine and maybe followed by episodes of meningitis. Treatments include bypassing the CSF to abdomen by VP shunt internally or in a more modern method- using endoscope to bypass the fluid inside the brain.

If treated early, the ill effects can be avoided.

It is important to be aware of problems and symptoms that are visible and act accordingly, but fast. The neurosurgical problems in the paediatric age group are often more difficult and complex and need immediate and professional attention.

A senior neurosurgeon of international repute with excellent management skills and one of the Best Neurosurgeons in Kolkata, Dr. Kaushik Sil has over 16 years of experience in treating complex Brain and Spine problems like brain tumours, spinal disc prolapse, brain stroke, subdural hematoma, spinal deformity with a special interest in childhood neurosurgical problems like hydrocephalus and spinal birth defects. His simple guidance and high success in treatment rates is immaculate.