Brain Surgery For Children: How It Works?

By Dr. Tushar Maniar in Centre for Child Health

Apr 24 , 2023 | 3 min read

Brain surgery is a general term given to all invasive neurological procedures performed on patients suffering from severe brain injuries, brain tumors, spinal cord tumors, congenital brain deformities, aneurysms, clotting, epilepsy, nerve damage, fluid build-up, skull fractures, and brain hemorrhage. These problems can affect both adults and children and require specialized medical intervention. Brain surgery primarily aims to repair the structural problems of the brain. The procedure and time taken for surgery depend upon the condition being treated and its severity.

Common Conditions Requiring Brain Surgery in Children

Fatal Brain Injuries: Critical head injuries that compromise brain function.
Brain Tumors and Spinal Cord Tumors: Growths that may affect brain or spinal cord activity.
Congenital Brain Deformities: Structural abnormalities present at birth.
Aneurysm and Clotting Issues: Circulatory system problems leading to bleeding or blockage.
Epilepsy and Nerve Damage: Neurological disorders requiring intervention.
Fluid Build-up and Skull Fractures: Conditions causing pressure or physical damage to the brain.

Symptoms to Watch Out for in Children

Children often cannot articulate their symptoms effectively, so parents need to watch for the following signs:

Persistent headaches
Frequent nose bleeding
Fatigue
Enlargement of the head
Difficulty in remembering and recalling things
Memory loss
Changes in eyesight
Fainting
Numbness in limbs

If any of these symptoms are observed, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help.

Types of Brain Tumors in Children

Slow-Growing Tumors: Includes low-grade astrocytomas, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs), ependymomas, craniopharyngiomas, gangliogliomas, and meningiomas. These tumors may require radiotherapy after surgery to destroy any remaining cells.
Aggressive Tumors: Includes anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas, which often need chemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgery to shrink the tumor size and reduce complications.

Diagnostic Procedures for Brain Surgery

Before brain surgery, certain tests and screenings are performed to ensure an accurate diagnosis:

Blood tests
Physical examination
Functional imaging techniques
Continuous video electroencephalogram (EEG)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
CT scans

In cases of brain or spinal cord tumors, a biopsy sample is collected to gather detailed information about the tumor and its cause.

Types of Brain Surgery for Children

Craniotomy: A common procedure for brain tumors, involving an opening in the skull to access and remove the tumor.
Precision Techniques: Surgeons may use cameras or ultrasonic aspirators for higher accuracy and precision during tumor removal.
Suction Devices: Used for soft tumors, or probes with ultrasonic aspirators to break and remove large tumors.

Additional Treatments After Surgery

Radiotherapy Sessions: To eliminate any remaining unhealthy cells.
Chemotherapy: Often combined with radiation for treating aggressive tumors.

The Surgical Procedure

The steps of a pediatric brain surgery include:

Anesthesia Administration: Ensuring the child is pain-free and unconscious.
Surgical Access: Creating an opening to access the brain, if necessary.
Treatment Execution: Addressing the specific condition, such as removing a tumor or repairing damaged tissues.
Closure: Safely sealing the surgical area.

Risks and Complications of Brain Surgery

Possible loss of brain function
Potential damage to surrounding tissues
Behavioral changes due to trauma

Post-Surgery Care for Children

After surgery, the child is placed under close observation until stable. Physical activities are restricted during recovery. Behavioral changes are common, and consulting a counselor may help manage these effectively.

Choosing the Right Hospital for Brain Surgery

You can find one of the best neurology hospitals in Mumbai that offers comprehensive neurological surgeries and procedures for children. With highly trained pediatric neurologists, the hospital ensures parents are well-informed about the procedure, its benefits, and associated risks before proceeding.