When any portion of your child’s nervous system is damaged through disease or injury, the entire body may be affected. Because the brain, spinal cord and nerves cannot repair themselves, it is important any neurologic problems be treated as soon as possible before damage becomes irreversible. Depending on the diagnoses, surgery may be a part of your child’s treatment plan.

At Children’s Wisconsin, we treat a full range of neurologic disorders with neurosurgery. Our neurosurgery specialists work with other team members from the Neurosciences Center to offer specialized surgical care.

We pair traditional treatments like medication and physical therapy with complementary procedures, such as:

• Cranial orthotic treatments
• Vagal nerve stimulation
• Intrathecal baclofen or shunt implantation
• Removal of tumors
• Minimally invasive endoscopic procedures
• Stereotactic surgery
• Microsurgery

Neurosurgical care at Children’s Wisconsin can begin before birth. We offer prenatal counseling and neonatal consultation for parents who expect a child with neurologic challenges.

Once your child is born, we conduct a physical examination that includes testing reflexes, muscle strength, eye and mouth movements, alertness and coordination.

Depending on the origin and location of your child’s neurologic problem, we may perform blood tests, a spinal tap, specialized DNA tests, pediatric EMG/NCV and/or remove a small amount (biopsy) of effected nerves and muscles for direct examination.

Often there is no cure for brain, spinal or nerve damage. But our caring and experienced neurosurgeons and staff can help restore the maximum possible use and slow or halt progressive damage. Complementary treatments may include physical therapy and rehabilitation or orthopedic surgery. Specialists in our award-winning scoliosis and epilepsy programs are available to consult or treat, as needed. We also offer psychological counseling to help your child adjust to these changes after neurological surgery.