Neurological Disorders
As one of only two centers in the region with state-of-the-art computer technology that allows surgeons to map various locations of the nervous system during surgery, the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) is able to offer the most cutting edge surgical techniques possible while minimizing the risk of complications for the children we treat. Our exceptional multi-disciplinary team of specialists has established a reputation for taking particularly difficult cases that other medical centers thought were inoperable. We offer a wide spectrum of medical and surgical treatments to children with often complex nervous system disorders.
The most common reasons children seek surgery at Montefiore include the advanced, specialized care we are able provide in the following areas:
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Chronic disorders of the spine, including spina bifida and tethered spinal cords and peripheral nerves, including brachial plexus palsy
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Invasive conditions like pediatric brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve tumors
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Trauma, such as head injuries
We are committed to continually innovating the latest technology and techniques being used in neurosurgery today, and we take special pride in supporting children and their caregivers with information, empathy and honesty during every stage of their care. For more information, browse these informative pages on Pediatric Neurological Disorders compiled by the world renowned experts in our Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery.
Specialized care for neurological disorders
Spina bifida
We have vast experience diagnosing and caring for various chronic disorders of the spine, and can help children's care givers to choose the best treatment plan for them. Spina bifida, which occurs in about one in one thousand live births, is a neural tube defect that involves incomplete development of the brain, spinal chord, and/or their protective coverings. The severity of spinal bifida varies, as do treatment options. Common approaches include surgery, medication and physiotherapy, often paired with assistive devices, such as braces, crutches or wheelchairs. Our multi-disciplinary team ensures that parents have the information they need to understand this complicated condition and its many possible outcomes, while their children are receiving the best care available.
Tethered spinal chord
Because children with a tethered spinal chord, or other related skin abnormalities (neurocutaneous signatures), are neurologically normal at birth, our specialists our dedicated to diagnosing and treating this condition as early as possible, in order to prevent progressive neurological dysfunction. Our neurosurgeons are careful to explain the benefits and risks of surgery to children's caregivers and provide empathetic and specialized follow-up assessment and care.
Pediatric brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve tumors
Our multidisciplinary approach to treating children with both slow growing (benign) and fast growing (malignant) tumors offers children the collaborative benefit of multiple approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and observation. Our world renowned neurosurgery team is dedicated to explaining the benefits and risks of surgery and related treatment to caregivers, while aiming to best control tumors and prevent regrowth. We make use of cutting edge technology, including microscopic surgical guidance equipment, as well as a unique computer program that allows for interoperative monitoring and mapping, which is not available to children anywhere else in the city.
Trauma, such as head injuries
While head injuries are extremely common in children, with more than 500,000 children hospitalized annually because of one, only some injuries require treatment by our expert team of neurosurgeons. In those cases when children do suffer a severe head injury that requires surgery, our specialists apply their vast experience to providing the best care as quickly as possible, in order to minimize damage and maximize recovery.
Main Number
718-920-4197
