Childhood age brain and nerve diseases that start in the womb and continue until the late adolescence are diagnosed and treated in the scope of pediatric neurosurgery. Treatment processes should be clear for children and their parents with these diseases and should be followed up well. These diseases, which cause developmental processes to not take place on time or to deteriorate, are sometimes not seen after adolescence and sometimes continue to be seen in adulthood. Due to the great impact of brain and nerve diseases on development, surgical work is managed together with other units in a multidisciplinary way.

     You can follow the information about childhood age brain and nerve diseases with the following headings:

• What is pediatric neurosurgery?
• What are childhood age brain and nerve diseases?

What is Pediatric Neurosurgery?

     Brain and nerve diseases that can develop due to various reasons while still in the womb can also be seen during birth and after. Problems experienced by children within the scope of these diseases during the period between birth and 18 years old fall under the field of pediatric neurosurgery. Early diagnosis is crucial for the child to complete their development process well and for the treatment to be effective.

What are Childhood Age Brain and Nerve Diseases?

     The development of the nervous system starts in the womb and continues after birth. There can be many different reasons that can have a negative effect on this development. Brain and spinal cord fluid increases, head and spinal cord injuries, skull deformities, or diseases such as epilepsy can show development in children. The development of the nervous system is closely monitored through pre- and post-birth checks, and a treatment plan is established if there is a problem.

     You can find out more about common childhood age brain and nerve diseases and the types of treatment that are used for these diseases by following the following:

1. Childhood brain tumors

     After leukemia, the most common brain tumors in childhood usually develop primarily in children and rarely spread to other parts of the body. Malignant brain tumors grow faster in children. Treatment options are evaluated based on factors such as the location, size, shape, and malignancy of the tumor. A study is then conducted on surgical methods. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are used for diagnosis and follow-up processes.

2. Hydrocephalus

      Hydrocephalus, which is one of the childhood age brain and nerve diseases seen with a probability of 1 in 500 children, occurs when there is excessive fluid accumulation in the brain and the spaces inside the brain. Hydrocephalus is an easily recognizable disease. Generally, a point on the child’s head shows growth. Therefore, the diagnosis is made after the child is referred to the clinic. In treatment, a shunt is placed to allow fluid flow. The following reasons can be the cause of fluid accumulation in this way:

• Brain hemorrhages
• Head injuries
• Early delivery-related hemorrhages
• Brain tumors

3. Spina bifida

     Spina bifida, which means an open or separated spine, occurs when the development of the spine in the womb does not take place properly. This disease, which is thought to develop due to a deficiency of folic acid, can result in paralysis, mental disorders, and hydrocephalus in children. In the treatment of this disease, where the spinal canal is open, the opening is closed with surgery. The post-treatment process is closely monitored.

4. Epilepsy

     Epilepsy, a disease that can develop in children, is a condition that can occur as a result of a feverish seizure in children between the ages of 5 and 6. Along with this disease, children may experience; breath-holding seizures, infantile masturbation, tremors, psychogenic seizures or tic disorders. As they grow older, different physical behaviors may appear and children tend to exhibit very different behaviors than normal. Electroencephalography (EEG) method is used in the diagnostic process. This application is carried out during a seizure. Frequent EEG recordings are requested and monitored throughout the course of the disease. A treatment plan is developed through the use of antiepileptic drugs. This disease ends in time for 70% of children.

5. Dystonia in childhood

     Dystonia is a disease that causes children to experience muscle spasms, exhibit abnormal posture, and be in constant repetitive movements. Dystonia is often observed as tic disorders. Before a diagnosis of dystonia is made, the history of the onset of the event, the age of the child, and the medical history are carefully taken. Treatment is applied with drugs and neurosurgical methods. Dystonia is a hereditary or later-developed disease.