Common Pediatric Congenital Brain Anomalies That May Require Surgery

A congenital brain anomalies surgery can correct malformation in the nervous system. Many congenital malformations of the soft tissue and the bone on the spine and head can occur. Some of these abnormalities are mild. Others are severe yet correctable through surgery. If you want to know what pediatric congenital brain abnormalities need congenital brain anomalies surgery, here are the details.

Encephaloceles

This is a defect in the neural tube. Here, no skull and skin are covering the brain. Exposure to the outside elements can cause hydrocephalus and infections. Surgical repair involves removing some soft tissue and bone. The pediatric neurosurgeon will also drain the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid). Then, the surgeon will close the encephalocele through congenital brain anomalies surgery.

Kids with hydrocephalus due to an encephalocele will need congenital brain anomalies surgery with a CSF shunt. This shunting procedure is the process of placing a tube into the ventricle (open area) of the brain. The congenital brain anomalies surgery redirects the flow of the CSF to the kid’s abdomen or another area. There, the body will reabsorb the excess CSF.

Chiari malformations

This is a condition in which cerebellar tonsils bulge through the bottom opening of the skull right into the upper spine. This can put tremendous pressure on the spinal cord and brain. These malformations can block CSF flow. This leads to hydrocephalus.

The pediatric neurosurgeon will perform congenital brain anomalies surgery. This will concentrate on removing parts of the soft and bone tissue to remove the pressure on the brain and spinal cord. This will also produce new drainage pathways for the CSF. The surgeon may use decompression and open the membrane of the brain with congenital brain anomalies surgery. The surgeon may also choose to use decompression only.

Arachnoid cysts

These are the most common types of cysts in the brain. Diagnosed children have these cysts at birth. Arachnoid cysts happen because the arachnoid membrane splits. These cysts are filled with fluid. They are not tumors. Arachnoid cysts often appear in one of the three layers of CNS (central nervous system) covering.

Treating this condition needs congenital brain anomalies surgery. The neurosurgeon will drill a small opening in the skull. This will drain the cyst. The surgeon may also choose to make tiny openings in the cyst to open up the natural CSF pathways in the brain.

The diagnosis

The neurologist or pediatrician will diagnose the child. The doctor may order an MRI scan. This diagnostic imaging can show where the malformations are. Then, the health professional will create a treatment plan to address the condition. The plan will include congenital brain anomalies surgery.

Nature of the treatment

Doctors often use a multidisciplinary method in treating children with congenital spine and brain malformations. Geneticists, neurosurgeons, and craniofacial professionals can develop the treatment plan for the child. The plan will finalize the type of congenital brain anomalies surgery. A mild spine or brain malformation may not exhibit symptoms or signs in the child. The doctor will recommend observation for this case. This involves tests and regular visits.

A congenital brain anomalies surgery can help your child

Malformations in the nervous system are often due to improper fetal development. Any of these anomalies can receive the proper repair. The doctor must diagnose your child properly and then form a good treatment plan. Part of the plan is congenital brain anomalies surgery. Working with a pediatric neurosurgeon can have optimal results.

Get more information about Dr. William G. Loudon, Pediatric Neurosurgery in Orange at https://www.drloudonpediatricneurosurgery.com.

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