PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY

The Program
Neuroscience and Spine Institute at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte has developed programs for the treatment of the unique disorders of the brain and spinal cord of children. With a team of experienced pediatric neurologists and pediatric neurosurgeons on staff, we offer a unique level of expertise that enables us to treat the complex pediatric neurology and spinal cases in the southeast. This team of specialists works as a multidisciplinary team to handle all aspects of pediatric care, including family support and rehabilitation. Our participation in national research programs gives patients early access to new treatment.

Pediatric rehabilitation
Traumatic brain injuries, birth defects, spinal cord tumors, or injuries of the brain and spinal cord may result in the need for rehabilitation. The rehabilitation team works with parents, family members and patients to promote the maximum benefit from the intensive rehabilitation program. Each child is assisted to become as functional as the illness or injury permits.

Pediatric Spasticity Clinic
The Pediatric Spasticity Clinic provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to surgical and nonsurgical intervention for spasticity in children. These children, most of whom have some element of cerebral palsy, pose unique challenges related to continued growth and development.

Rhizotomy Program
The goals and treatment options of the Pediatric Spasticity Clinic are essentially the same as its adult counterpart, except that younger children are more often candidates for selective dorsal rhizotomy, a highly specialized surgical procedure designed to reduce spasticity in the lower extremities and allow greater freedom of movement. During this procedure, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is used to guide the surgeon who is interrupting abnormal neural pathways. Post operatively, each patient undergoes an intensive physical and occupational therapy program to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.

Ketogenic Diet Program
Children with epilepsy for whom anticonvulsant drugs have proven ineffective or have produced undesirable side effects have achieved improvement through the Ketogenic Diet Program at Carolinas Epilepsy Center. The program is the only one in the region trained in the standards and guidelines of the Johns Hopkins Ketogenic Diet by Johns Hopkins Hospitals. The physicians and staff of the program are specialists in pediatric care and epilepsy in children.

Pediatric oncology of the brain and spinal cord
Children with tumors of the brain or spinal cord receive specialized care from a multidisciplinary pediatric oncology team who are a part of the Blumenthal Cancer Center at Carolinas Medical Center. This team participates in national pediatric oncology research programs, allowing early access to the latest protocols. Each child and family receives personal attention in care and treatment of symptoms and the disease. Support groups and pediatric neuropsychologists assist the family unit in coping with illness.