Common Infant Brain Surgeon Procedures

Wanting some information on what an infant brain surgeon does? There are certain surgical procedures that a brain surgeon who operates on infants will utilize in order to repair any brain damage experienced. It will depend on the type of brain injury as well as how severe the injury is when it comes to what type of surgical procedure will be chosen. Every infant is different, and for that reason, what has worked for another infant will not necessarily work for yours. This is why it is important for you to understand the various types of treatment choices available nowadays.

Infant assessments

An assessment will first be performed on an infant before the brain surgeon decides which procedure is going to ideally work for them. An assessment will often include a CT scan and/or an MRI. Depending on the infant's age, it may be necessary for neurological tests to be given, which will help to determine their conscious state. The results received from a neurological test will determine whether or not the infant is indeed in need of a CT scan or an MRI.

Common signs of infant brain damage

Some of the more common signs associated with brain damage in infants include an abnormally large forehead, distorted facial features, an inability to focus correctly, an abnormal spine, a stiff neck, seizures and a very small head.

Common infant brain surgeon procedures

The following are two of the more common surgical procedures used on infants who have experienced some type of severe head trauma that has caused injury to their brain.

#1 – Craniotomy

This surgical procedure requires a brain surgeon to make a small hole in order to remove a bone flap, as this allows them to get access to the brain and accordingly repair any damage present. When the surgical procedure is over, the bone flap will be reattached using small screws and plates.

#2 – Decompressive craniectomy

This surgical procedure is performed on infants who have experienced severe brain trauma; it requires a brain surgeon to remove a part of the skull in order to give the brain room to move due to swelling. When a brain swells, it can be life-threatening to the infant, making this a procedure that is often performed in an emergency situation.

Can we answer any questions for you?

Do you have any questions about what an infant brain surgeon can do for your infant? Now that you understand a little bit more about some of the more common surgical procedures that are used to treat infants who have experienced a brain injury, do you have any questions about one or more of these procedures? It is also important for you to understand what happens after brain surgery, as your infant may also need to take medications or undergo physical therapy. Ready to make an appointment so you can get all the answers you need?

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.