Neurosurgery
Programs and services
Here in the Children’s Hospital Boston’s Department of Neurosurgery, our specialists treat infants, children and adolescents with diseases, disorders or injuries that affect the brain, spine and central nervous system. In each of our specialty programs, a team of doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, imaging professionals, physical and speech therapists, psychologists and social workers come together to care for your child.
Children’s has some of the most skilled and experienced neurosurgeons in the world. And while we’re known for our science-driven approach to treating conditions like hydrocephalus and traumatic brain injury, our doctors never forget that your child is a child, first and foremost—not just a patient.
We offer innovative, compassionate and knowledgeable care that benefits the entire family. Beginning with your child's first visit, you’ll work with a team of professionals who are committed to meeting all of your child's health care needs while providing essential emotional, social and educational support for your family.
Learn more about our Neurosurgery Department programs and services using the links below.
Coordinates comprehensive acute and follow-up care across multiple specialties. Diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of head injuries, from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injury. Includes a multidisciplinary Brain Injury Clinic that screens for and manages long-term issues. Scheduling: 617-355-2490
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treats the following conditions:
- head injuries (contusions, concussions, fractures, internal bleeding)
- spinal cord injuries (contusions, partial tears, complete tears)
Combines world-class cancer expertise and pediatric specialization to treat children of all ages with brain and spinal cord tumors. Specialties include neuropathology, neurosurgical oncology, radiation oncology and radiosurgery. Offers Positron Emission Tomography (PET) fusion imaging and access to New England’s only dedicated pediatric PET scanner. Scheduling: 617-632-2680 or 1-888-PEDI-ONC
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treats more than 200 types of childhood brain tumors, including:
- astrocytomas
- anaplastic astrocytomas
- cerebellar pilocytic astrocytomas
- cervicomedullary tumors
- choroid plexus tumors (papilloma and carcinoma)
- craniopharyngiomas
- diffuse pontine gliomas
- dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors
- ependymomas
- gangliogliomas
- germ cell tumors of the brain
- germinomas
- glioblastoma multiforme
- gliomas
- gliomatosis cerebri
- high-grade gliomas
- low-grade gliomas
- medulloblastomas
- meningiomas
- non-germinomatous germ cell tumors
- oligodendrogliomas
- optic pathway gliomas
- pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas
- primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET)
- atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT)
- tectal gliomas
- thalamic tumors
Cerebrovascular Disorders and Stroke Program
Provides 24/7 integrated expertise in all aspects of pediatric stroke care. Treats children at every stage, from initial warning signs through rehabilitation and recovery. Includes both outpatient and inpatient services and coordinates consultations with related specialties. Scheduling: 617-355-2758
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treats the following conditions:
- aneurysms
- arterial ischemic stroke
- arteriovenous malformations
- cavernous malformations
- cerebral sinovenous thrombosis
- Moyamoya disease
- pediatric stroke
- non-traumatic central nervous system hemorrhage
- transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
- vascular malformations and hemangiomas
- Vein of Galen malformations
- venous thrombosis
- clinical symptoms that may possibly stem from a stroke or other cerebrovascular event
Craniofacial Anomalies Program
Delivers expert care across disciplines for patients—from infants to adults—with congenital or acquired craniofacial anomalies. Specialties include cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, plagiocephaly and vascular malformations. Scheduling: 617-355-6309
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treats the following conditions:
- acquired facial deformities
- congenital facial deformities, including cleft lip and cleft palate
- craniosynostosis
- plagiocephaly
Provides interdisciplinary, individualized care for children with epilepsy and seizures. The oldest and most experienced pediatric epilepsy program in the nation and one of the only pediatric programs in the U.S. designated as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center. Combines expertise in epileptology, neuropsychology and neurosurgery with a full complement of support services. Scheduling: 617-355-7970
Diagnoses, treats and manages all types of hydrocephalus. World pioneer in the use of shunts and birthplace of the next generation of shunting devices. Specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques and shunt alternatives. Scheduling: 617-355-6008
- treats hydrocephalus and related complications
International leader in treating pediatric Moyamoya disease. Offers the revolutionary pial synangiosis procedure, first developed by our neurosurgeon. Services include diagnostics, consultation, surgery and follow-up care. Scheduling: 617-355-6011
- treats Moyamoya disease and related complications
Neonatal and Congenital Anomaly Neurosurgery Program
Evaluates, diagnoses and treats newborns with congenital neurological problems. Specialties include brain and spine anomalies, fetal tumors and masses, Chiari malformation and encephalocele. Goal is to address anomalies as early in a child’s life as possible to ensure optimal development. Scheduling: 617-355-6008
Neurofibromatosis (NF) Program
Offers integrated diagnostics, clinical care and genetic counseling for children with known or suspected neurofibromatosis. Also provides direct specialty referral to experts in related disciplines. Scheduling: 617-355-4697
- treats known or suspected cases of neurofibromatosis
Specializes in neurosurgical treatment of children with stroke, aneurysms, venous thrombosis and other associated conditions. Includes expertise in neurointerventional radiology. Scheduling: 617-355-8414
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treats the following conditions when they require neurosurgical intervention:
- aneurysms
- arterial ischemic stroke
- arterial dissection (vertebral dissection, carotid dissection)
- arteriovenous fistulas (including dural arteriovenous fistulas) (AVFs, DAVs, DAVFs, DAVMs)
- arteriovenous malformations
- cavernous malformations
- Moyamoya disease
- Vein of Galen malformations
- venous thrombosis
Spina Bifida (Myelodysplasia) Program
One of the nation’s largest and oldest interdisciplinary care centers for children with spina bifida. Provides extensive diagnostic, treatment and support services, including ultrasound imaging, surgical approaches and corrective casts and orthotics. Scheduling: 617-355-8532
- treats spina bifida (myelodysplasia) and related complications
Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Program
Delivers the full scale of diagnostic, consultation, surgical and follow-up care services for children with tethered cord. Areas of expertise include MRI and CT, surgical untethering and coordination with Urology, Gastroenterology and Physical Therapy. Scheduling: 617-355-6008
- treats tethered spinal cord and related complications
Vascular Malformations of the Brain Program
Specializes in surgical intervention to correct vascular defects of the brain. Treats children with conditions including arteriovenous and cavernous malformations, vein of Galen and aneurysms. Scheduling: 617-355-6011
- treats the following conditions:
