What To Expect When Visiting a Pediatric Neurosurgery Specialist

Seeing a pediatric neurosurgery specialist can be intimidating for families. However, if your child needs surgical intervention for a problem with their nervous system, they are in good hands with one of these specialists. Knowing what to expect can also ease anxiety. Therefore, this guide briefly overviews what a pediatric neurosurgery specialist does and what to expect from the first visit.

Who is a pediatric neurosurgery specialist

Also known as a pediatric neurosurgeon, a pediatric neurosurgery specialist provides surgical treatment for injuries and conditions affecting a child's nervous system, including the brain and spine. They treat children from newborns through the teenage years. They have years of education and training after medical school in neurosurgery and additional training specific to pediatric neurosurgery. Conditions they treat include brain and spinal cord injuries, congenital abnormalities, and brain tumors.

What to expect at the first appointment

The initial consultation will involve a thorough examination and questions about the child's health. Parents should prepare to answer questions about their child's medical history, medications, current symptoms, other health concerns, and past procedures. In addition to checking the child's vital signs, areas assessed may include the following:

• Motor skills
• Language abilities
• Head shape and size
• Facial structure and movements
• Reflexes
• Overall body language

The specialist may have the child perform some simple tasks to asses these areas. After the exam, the pediatric neurosurgery specialist may order additional tests and scans for diagnostic or treatment planning purposes. Parents will receive a post-visit summary of everything discussed, follow-up instructions, and information on the next steps in treatment.

Preparing for the first appointment

Pediatric neurosurgery specialists are skilled at building rapport with children and keeping them comfortable during the exam and treatment process. Their offices are set up to create a warm and comfortable environment for children. However, seeing a new doctor and being in a new environment can still be stressful for a child.

Parents can ease this anxiety by being positive about the appointment and treating it like a checkup with the child's pediatrician. Usually, if the parents are relaxed, the child will relax as well. In addition, parents can show their child a photograph of the doctor and their waiting room to start building familiarity. Allowing the child to bring a coloring book, favorite toy, or something to keep them occupied during the appointment can also be helpful.

We recommend that parents compile their questions beforehand to help ensure we address all their concerns. It helps to arrive at least 15 minutes before the appointment time to give the child a chance to settle in and the parents time to complete any paperwork. Appointment times vary but tend to average between 30 minutes and an hour.

For more information

Dr. William G. Loudon, Pediatric Neurosurgery provides state-of-the-art neurosurgical services for children of all ages in a caring and comfortable environment. If you have further questions about what to expect or an upcoming visit, our staff is happy to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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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