A Pediatric Neurosurgeon Discusses Neurotrauma

While neurotrauma is sometimes considered rare, it is in fact a public health problem. Pediatric surgeons are specifically trained in diagnosing and treating neurotrauma in children.

About neurotrauma

Understanding more about neurotrauma is necessary for parents who have a child who experiences a sudden injury to their head or spine. Sudden trauma injuries require immediate treatment, as neurotrauma can result in long-term effects. Every second counts when a child experiences this type of injury, as common medical problems associated with neurotrauma include intense pain, severe nerve damage, cognitive impairment and leaking spinal fluid.

Children who encounter head trauma may only have a minor bump or they may experience brain trauma. This makes it essential for parents to have their child evaluated any time they experience any level of head trauma. Falls, accidents and child abuse are common ways that children are injured. When it comes to treatment for head trauma, it depends on the type of injury, the extent of the injury and the overall duration of the trauma.

Children who sustain a spine-related injury often do so through a fall, an auto accident or a sports injury. Since there are many different types of spinal injuries that a child can experience, it depends on the type of injury, as well as the severity, when it comes to treating spine injuries in children. It is possible for a child to suffer from overall weakness or even be paralyzed due to a spine injury.

Diagnosing neurotrauma in children

There are a few different steps that medical professionals can take to find out if a child is experiencing any type of neurotrauma after an injury. The first step is performing an overall examination of the child. Examples of the procedures that may be performed during this initial examination include X-rays, blood tests, EEG, cat scan, MRI and an overall neurological exam. The results from these tests will ultimately determine the type of treatment that a child will need.

Treating neurotrauma in children

While some children may only need to take prescribed medications in order to address their neurotrauma, others may need to undergo a surgical process. If it is necessary for a child to undergo surgery, parents can rest assured that pediatric neurosurgeons have access to the most recent imaging and surgical techniques. These allow neurosurgeons to carefully plan, as well as perform, the necessary surgery.

The general goal of surgery is to address a child’s pain, reconstruct any damaged nerves and improve their overall mobility. Any time that a child incurs neurotrauma, the types of injuries that they sustain tend to be quite complex. This is why it is so essential for children to be seen by an experienced pediatric neurosurgeon as soon as possible after sustaining an injury that affects their brain or spine.

Any questions?

Parents who have neurotrauma questions can contact a neurosurgical facility for more information. It is essential for parents to understand that any time that a child suffers any type of head or spine injury, they need to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible for a diagnosis and possible treatment. The sooner that a child is treated, the more likely that their injuries will be effectively addressed.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drloudonpediatricneurosurgery.com or call Dr. William G. Loudon, Pediatric Neurosurgery at (714) 677-9463 for an appointment in our Orange office.

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