A variety of neurosurgical conditions affect the brain in pediatric population. These include:
1. Congenital anomalies: Hydrocephalus is one of common disorders of pediatric population. It is of two types -- obstructive and ono-obstructive. The age a presentation varies from 1 day to teenage. treatment options depend upon the type of hydrocephalus. Obstructive hydrocephalus can be effectively managed by endoscopic third ventriculostomy. This is avoided in less than 1 year age group wherein Ventriculo-peritoneal shunts are performed. In non-onstructive hydrocephalus, ventriculo-peritoneal shunts are performed. Arachnoid cysts are another common condition. In majority of patients, it is an incidental finding and doesnt require any intervention. In those presenting with mass effect, surgery is required to drain the cyst to reduce the pressure.
2. Brain tumors: Brain tumors constitute a more common form of tumors affecting the body compared to adult population. These can be located supratentorially such as gliomas, DNET, ependymomas, choroid plexus papillomas. Infratentorial tumors include medulloblastoma, ependymomas, pilocytic astrocytoma, hemangioblastoma, teratoma. Surgical excision is required in majority of them. Surgery in these patients requires a team approach including an anaesthetist who can manage these patients intraoperatively, pediatric neurologist, and ICU for post-operative care and recovery. The team at Bansal Hospital has experience of managing such patients with optimal results.
3. Spinal Dysraphism: Spinal dysraphism presents with varied spectrum of conditions as tethering of cord, dermal sinus with recurrent meningitis , intramedullary abscess, split cord malformation, lipomas. Children present with pain, neurological deficit. Surgery is required to correct these anomalies and relieve the tethering of the cord.