A Visit to the Pediatric Neurosurgeon: What to Expect
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If your child has been referred to a pediatric neurosurgeon, you may be feeling nervous or unsure about what to expect. That is totally normal. The idea of seeing a “brain and spine doctor” can feel scary. But this visit doesn’t always mean your child will need surgery. It simply means a specialist will take a closer look at your child’s condition and help you understand what to do next.
Connecticut Children’s pediatric neurosurgery team will walk you through what happens at your child’s first appointment.
Q: How can I prepare for my child’s first pediatric neurosurgery visit?
Bethany: The process varies a bit based on why your child is seeing us, but in general there are a few things you can expect.
First, we will get a referral from your pediatrician which gives us information about why you need to see our team as well as information about your child’s medical history. The referral also helps our team figure out how quickly your child needs to be seen.
At Connecticut Children’s, our neurosurgery team recognizes the importance of timely care when urgent treatment is needed, and we make every effort to ensure patients are seen as quickly as possible.
We’ll ask you to bring certain things like: • Any relevant test results, such as MRI or CT scans • A list of any medicines your child takes
When you get here, we’ll check your child’s height, weight, head circumference if they are less than 2 years old, and other appropriate vital signs like blood pressure and temperature. Then you will meet with the neurosurgeon or neurosurgery nurse practitioner, like me. We will ask about your child’s symptoms and history with questions like: • When did the symptoms start? • Have they gotten better or worse? • What tests have they had done and why were they obtained? • We will also likely ask about your child’s development and if they are meeting appropriate milestones or if you or your pediatrician has concerns.
Then, we’ll do a physical exam. With children, we can often gain a lot of information by observing them during our visit and how they interact with you, us, and their environment. We may also check how your child walks, moves, or responds to touch. We may test your child’s balance, reflexes, or strength.
If your child had any scans or tests done before the appointment, the doctor will look at them and explain what they see. We may also order new scans if we need more information.
Finally, we will come up with a comprehensive and collaborative plan for your child.
We always encourage families to write down any questions you have before the appointment. This will help you remember what you want to ask the doctor.
Many families have been where you are right now. It’s okay to feel worried or unsure. But pediatric neurosurgeons are experts in caring for children with brain and spine conditions.
Q: What happens after the initial appointment with the pediatric neurosurgery team?
Dr. Martin: That highly depends, but usually:
Your child’s care team may want to watch and wait. This means we will monitor your child’s condition with regular checkups.
We may recommend more tests, like another scan.
We might suggest physical therapy or medication if surgery is not needed.
In some cases, we may say that surgery is the best option.
If surgery is the best option, the doctor will explain what it will involve, and how to prepare. You will have time to think and ask more questions. Many families have been where you are right now. It’s okay to feel worried or unsure. But pediatric neurosurgeons are experts in caring for children with brain and spine conditions. They will help guide you every step of the way.
We always tell parents they are doing the right thing by taking their child to get checked out. Whether it leads to surgery or just careful watching, your child is in the best hands.
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