MUSC Children's Hospital - Pediatric Neurosurgery

We're all about children!

Pediatric Neurosurgery

Our pediatric neurosurgeons are dedicated to the care of children with brain and spinal cord diseases. The care of children with central nervous system disease is complex and requires specially trained and dedicated health care providers. Our pediatric neurosurgery team works closely with pediatric neurology, hematology/oncology, radiation oncology, and physical therapy to provide cohesive and comprehensive care for children in need of neurosurgical services. Here is a list of some of the conditions we treat.

Brain tumors: The special needs of children with brain tumors are cared for in the multidisciplinary pediatric brain tumor clinic. Along with the pediatric neurosurgeons, specialists in pediatric oncology, radiation oncology and pediatric neurology evaluate and treat children with central nervous system tumors. We employ the most advanced surgical techniques utilizing cutting-edge technology, such as endoscopy and image guidance, when needed. Depending on the type of tumor, we can also offer special radiation therapy techniques including conformal beam and stereotaxic radiosurgery as an alternative or adjuvant to radical surgery. As members of the Children's Oncology Group, the most up-to-date chemotherapeutic and treatment protocols are available.

Spasticity: Children with cerebral palsy and other forms of brain and spinal cord injury can develop spasticity that interferes with the normal activities of daily life, such as walking, sitting, dressing, and bathing, and can lead to significant discomfort and muscle contractures. At our spasticity clinic, pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric orthopedic surgeons and pediatric physical therapists bring their combined expertise together to provide the full range of treatment options for spasticity and dystonia. Treatment options include oral medications, orthotics, botulinum toxin injections, and surgical intervention with an intrathecal baclofen pump or selective dorsal rhizotomy.

Spina bifida: The care of children with myelomeningocele and other forms of spina bifida is a lifetime commitment. At our spina bifida clinic, developmental pediatricians, pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric orthopedic surgeons, pediatric urologists, pediatric physical therapists and orthotists meet weekly to evaluate and provide comprehensive care in a convenient setting for patients.

Craniofacial disorders and craniosynostosis: The specialists at our craniofacial disorders clinic provide evaluation of genetic and structural disorders that lead to complex craniofacial disorders and simple craniosynostosis. The clinic's specialists provide the full range of surgical treatment for the treatment of craniofacial deformities.

Hydrocephalus: The most common neurosurgical condition affecting children is hydrocephalus. We provide the most advanced treatment for hydrocephalus such as endoscopic third ventriculostomy and shunts including programmable valves with adjustable pressures. Telemetric monitoring is available for complex shunt problems.

Head and spinal cord injury: In association with pediatric surgeons and pediatric intensivists, our pediatric neurosurgeons provide the most comprehensive care for children with head or spinal cord injuries available in the Lowcountry. Because injuries are better prevented than treated, the MUSC Department of Neurological Surgery sponsors the South Carolina Chapter of Think First, the national head and spinal cord injury prevention program.

Epilepsy: While most children can obtain adequate control of their epilepsy on oral medications, those with continued intractable seizures may benefit from an evaluation at the MUSC Epilepsy Center. In conjunction with pediatric neurologists, our pediatric neurosurgeons provide surgical treatment for children with epilepsy when medical treatments have failed. Surgical options include vagal nerve stimulators, surgical resection of the seizure focus, or radical interventions such as a hemispherectomy.

In addition to the services we provide at MUSC Children's Hospital, our specialists offer a general neurosurgical clinic in Florence, SC (located on the campus of McLeod Medical Center). Appointments for any of our clinics can be made by calling (843) 876-0444.

Learn more:
Meet our pediatric neurosurgeons
Neurological disorders in children