Pediatric Neurosurgery Services

At the Vermont Children’s Hospital, our highly trained and knowledgeable University of Vermont Medical Group surgeons provide specialized care for infants, children, adolescents and young adults with neurological issues. Some of the conditions we treat include:

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when excess fluid builds up in the brain. Causes of hydrocephalus are often related to an obstruction that prevents cerebral spinal fluid from draining properly. It can also result from lack of absorption or overproduction of fluid. This excess fluid can put pressure on the surrounding brain tissue, causing brain damage. Hydrocephalus may be present at birth (congenital hydrocephalus), or acquired later in life. If not treated, the condition can be fatal.

Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells in the brain. They are the most common solid tumors in children. There are many different types of brain tumors. They can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Brain tumors can start in the brain or may be formed when cancer begins in other parts of the body and spreads to the brain. The prognosis for childhood brain tumors varies from person to person, depending on the type, location and size of tumor, the health of the child and many other factors.

Tethered Spinal Cord

This condition, also known as tethered spinal cord syndrome (TSCS), occurs when the spinal cord is attached or fixed to the tissues inside the spinal column. The cord usually floats freely inside the spinal column. As the child grows, this pulls on the spinal cord, causing symptoms and preventing normal growth and movement. Tethered cord syndrome in children may result from improper growth of the embryo in the uterus. Early treatment with surgery may be recommended to prevent the disease from progressing.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBA) is an injury that occurs due to a sudden, violent blow to the head. This causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. The severity of traumatic brain injury varies greatly, depending on the extent and location of the damage. There are many causes of brain and head injury in children and adolescents, including falls, car accidents, or as a result of child abuse. Mild head injuries may only require rest and pain relievers. More severe injuries may require hospitalization, surgery and intensive care.

Other neurosurgery conditions we treat include:

• Brain and spinal cord tumors
• Hydrocephalus
• Spina bifida
• Surgery for epilepsy
• Chiari malformation
• Congenital anomalies of the brain and spinal cord
• Cerebral vascular disorders: AVMs, aneurysms, cavernous malformations, Moya-Moya disease
• Arachnoid cysts
• Tethered cord
• Syringomyelia
• Trauma to the brain and spinal cord (brain and spinal cord injuries)
• Craniofacial disorders (simple and complex craniosynostosis, Apert’s syndrome, Crouzon’s)
• Scoliosis