Paediatric neurosurgeon Warsaw and Płock - diagnostics and neurosurgical consultations for children
Paediatric neurosurgery deals with the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system conditions in children and adolescents. It covers problems involving the brain, spinal cord, skull, spine and peripheral nerves. A paediatric neurosurgery consultation may be needed both in infants and in older children, particularly when symptoms or test results indicate the need for specialist assessment.
In children, it is very important to take into account their age, stage of development and the course of the illness so far. A paediatric neurosurgeon assesses whether a given problem requires observation, further diagnostics, conservative treatment, consultation with other specialists or qualification for surgical treatment.
Indications for a visit to a paediatric neurosurgeon
A neurosurgical consultation may be recommended by a paediatrician, a paediatric neurologist, an orthopaedist, a family doctor or another specialist. Parents can also come in when they are worried about their child's symptoms or want to discuss imaging results.
The most common indications include:
- a rapidly increasing head circumference in an infant,
- asymmetry or an unusual shape of the skull,
- suspected craniosynostosis,
- a concerning result of a transfontanelle ultrasound,
- a head or spine injury,
- headaches with an unusual course,
- balance or gait disturbances,
- weakness in the limbs,
- changes detected on magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, X-ray or ultrasound,
- suspected hydrocephalus,
- a suspected congenital malformation of the nervous system,
- the need for qualification for further treatment or neurosurgical follow-up.
In infants, particular importance is given to assessing head circumference, skull shape, muscle tone and imaging results. In older children, the reason for a consultation is more often an injury, headaches, gait disturbances, spinal problems or abnormalities detected during neurological diagnostics.
A child's neurosurgical consultation - how to prepare for the visit?
It is worth bringing the child's complete medical records to a paediatric neurosurgery appointment. Imaging results are particularly important, because the neurosurgeon assesses not only the report but often the images themselves.
Before the consultation, it is worth preparing:
- the child's health record book,
- results of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography or X-ray,
- discs, a USB drive or electronic access to imaging studies,
- hospital discharge summaries,
- reports from previous neurological, paediatric, orthopaedic or rehabilitation consultations,
- information about the course of pregnancy and birth, if the problem concerns an infant,
- a list of medications taken,
- a description of the symptoms: when they appeared, whether they are worsening and in what situations they occur.
During the visit, the doctor takes a medical history, reviews the records, examines the child and discusses the next steps with the parents. Depending on the situation, they may recommend observation, follow-up imaging, a consultation with another specialist, rehabilitation or qualification for surgical treatment.
A paediatric neurosurgeon - what do they do?
A paediatric neurosurgeon is a doctor who deals with nervous system conditions that may require surgical evaluation or specialist neurosurgical supervision. A visit may concern congenital malformations as well as acquired problems, injuries and changes found incidentally on imaging.
Children referred to a paediatric neurosurgeon include those with an abnormal head shape, suspected premature closure of the cranial sutures, hydrocephalus, head and spine injuries, headaches requiring in-depth assessment, gait disturbances, and changes within the brain, spinal cord or spine.
What conditions does a paediatric neurosurgeon diagnose and treat?
Paediatric neurosurgery covers a wide range of problems related to the nervous system and the bony structures that protect the brain and spinal cord. A consultation may be indicated, among others, in cases of:
- hydrocephalus,
- craniosynostosis, i.e. premature closure of the cranial sutures,
- congenital malformations of the nervous system,
- an abnormal skull shape in infants,
- cystic lesions within the brain or spinal cord,
- tumours and other changes detected on imaging,
- head injuries,
- spinal injuries,
- spinal cord conditions,
- malformations of the spinal canal,
- gait or coordination disturbances requiring neurosurgical assessment,
- peripheral nerve damage.
Not every change detected on imaging means that surgery is necessary. Some children only need follow-up, observation or further tests. The role of a paediatric neurosurgeon is to assess the significance of the result in relation to the child's symptoms and development.
Doctors providing paediatric neurosurgery consultations
Book a consultation to review symptoms, imaging results and the next steps in specialist care for your child.
Paediatric neurosurgery at OpenMed Medical Centre
At OpenMed Medical Centre in Warsaw and Płock, parents can use a paediatric neurosurgery consultation in the case of symptoms or test results requiring specialist assessment. The consultation helps organise further diagnostics and determine whether the child needs observation, follow-up, conservative treatment or further neurosurgical treatment.
At our facilities, patients can also use consultations with other paediatric specialists, which makes it easier to carry out diagnostics in a coordinated way.
FAQ - what do parents ask before a paediatric neurosurgery consultation?
No. In many cases, the consultation results in a recommendation for observation, further diagnostics or conservative management. Surgery is considered only when clearly indicated.
There is no minimum age. Paediatric neurosurgeons assess patients from the neonatal period onwards.
A consultation typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and the scope of the examination.
Not necessarily. The doctor may refer the child for imaging if it is needed. If an MRI or CT scan has already been performed, please bring the results to the consultation.
Yes. Many parents seek a consultation at OpenMed for a second opinion regarding a diagnosis or proposed treatment plan.
Paediatric neurosurgery consultations are available at OpenMed in Warsaw and Płock. Telephone and online registration is available.