Brain and Spine Surgery for Children
Pediatric neurosurgeons treat infants, children and adolescents with neurological conditions of the brain and spine. Our providers are board-certified and fellowship-trained, meaning they have extensive training and experience to care specifically for kids. Our experienced team uses advanced surgical techniques for safer procedures, many of which are minimally invasive. And because a child's brain or spine condition can affect the whole family, we provide a family-friendly setting that emphasizes safety and care.
Whatever your child’s unique needs, Sanford Health can provide the best care.
For physicians: Refer a patient to Sanford Health.
What is a Pediatric Neurosurgeon?
Pediatric neurosurgeons are specialists trained to surgically treat brain and spinal cord conditions in kids. They understand the complexities of these conditions as well as the physical and emotional needs of the children they treat.
Conditions We Treat
We treat patients with disorders of the nervous system which affect the brain, skull and related blood vessels. Some of these conditions include:
- Chiari malformation
- Epilepsy
- Hydrocephalus
- Spina bifida
- Complex brain and spinal tumors
- Intracranial cysts
- Brain and spine cancer
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Vascular malformations disease
Common Pediatric Neurosurgeries
- Endoscopic Surgery: Endoscopic surgery is a diagnostic and surgical option that reduces recovery time and pain. Surgeons insert a scope, which is a tool with a bright light and a camera at one end, through a small incision to see or operate on internal organs.
- Chiari Malformation Surgery: There are two surgical options to treat Chiari malformation. In a laminectomy, neurosurgeons remove part of the child’s vertebra to reduce the pressure on the spine or nerve. The other option is a decompressive craniectomy, where surgeons remove part of the skull so the brain can swell without constriction. Sanford Health has dedicated pediatric neurosurgeons who are specially trained in treating children with Chiari malformation. Learn more about Dr. Shawn Vuong and Dr. Tong Yang.
- Epilepsy Surgery: Surgeons will identify, target and remove the part of your child’s brain that causes seizures. When paired with anti-seizure medication, most patients experience significantly fewer seizures, and some even become seizure-free.
- Hydrocephalus Surgery: There are many options for hydrocephalus surgery in children. The fluid can be diverted to a different part of the body where it inflicts less harm. Surgeons can also insert a tube into the brain to drain the excess fluid. Talk about treatment options with your doctor.