Pediatric Neurosurgery Referral Guidelines
The Pediatric Neurosurgery practice at Valley Children’s specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions of the central nervous system for infants, children and adolescents. Our neurosurgery program offers comprehensive, most up-to-date care for the full range of neurosurgical diseases. We have clinical expertise in treating brain tumors, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, congenital malformations, cranial and spinal trauma, peripheral nerve and craniofacial disorders. We are equipped with the most advanced technologies such as the ROSA robot (robotic assistant for minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures), intraoperative neuro navigation and stereotaxy, intraoperative imaging and the Neuroblate laser – allowing us to provide the most state-of-the-art care for our children.
Diseases we treat include:
- Tethered cord syndrome
- Spina bifida (myelomeningoceles, lipomyelomeningoceles, dermal sinus tracts, split cord malformations)
- Encephaloceles
- Hydrocephalus, CSF shunt malfunctions, syringomyelia
- Chiari malformations
- Pseudotumor cerebri
- Aqueductal stenosis
- Arachnoid cysts
- Plagiocephaly
- Craniosynostosis, craniofacial anomalies, and macrocephaly
- Brain and spinal tumors
- Head and spine trauma
- Central nervous system vascular malformations
- Spasticity
- Epilepsy
Neurosurgery is also part of several multidisciplinary teams at Valley Children’s that provide coordinated comprehensive care for your child. Multidisciplinary programs at Valley Children’s include our neuro-oncology program, craniofacial clinic, spina bifida clinic, spasticity clinic and a level 4 epilepsy center.
Refer to Neurosurgery
Refer to the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department at Valley Children's online through CareLink or our referral portal, or refer via fax.
Refer a patientNeurosurgery Office Numbers
Contact Pediatric Cardiology via phone (559-353-6277) or fax (559-353-5424).
Contact a Physician Liaison
Physicians can reach a physician liaison for help with referrals or other questions by calling 559-353-7229.
Download the pediatric neurosurgery referral guidelines as a PDF
| Condition | Pre-Referral Work-up | When to Refer |
|---|---|---|
| Brain and Spinal Cord Abscesses | Document neurological symptoms and signs | Positive scan |
| Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors | Document neurological symptoms and signs | Positive scan |
| Cerebral Palsy / Spasticity | Document neurological symptoms and signs, treatment history, and response to prior therapies | Secondary referral after Neurology or Physiatry consult |
| Chiari Malformation |
Document neurological symptoms and signs MRI of head and cervical spine |
Positive scan |
| Craniosynostosis | Clinical exam | Early referral if clinical suspicious |
| Cysts, Lumps and Bumps on Head | Document history of affected area | Routine referral upon positive physical finding or scan |
| Cysts of the brain | Document neurological symptoms and signs | Positive scan |
| Encephalocele | Clinical exam, head MRI | Early referral if suspected clinically |
| Hydrocephalus |
Chart growth in head circumference, history of prematurity/hemorrhage, and prior therapy or surgery Ultrasound of head if fontanelle open MRI / CT of brain |
Positive physical findings, scan or documentation Positive physical findings or scan |
| Lipomyelomeningocele |
MRI of back Clinical documentation of history and physical |
Positive physical findings or scan |
| Seizures / Epilepsy | Clinical history of seizures | Secondary referral after Neurology consult |
|
Spinal Dysraphism Neural Tube defects Dermal Sinus Tract |
Document neurological symptoms and signs, prior surgical therapy MRI of affected area |
Positive physical findings, scan or documentation |
| Skull Fracture / Intracranial Bleed / Post-Traumatic Event |
Documentation of history clinical findings Head CT |
Positive findings, on history and scan |
| Syringomyelia | MRI of affected area | Routine consult if asymptomatic |
| Tumors |
Document neurological symptoms and signs MRI of affected area with or without contrast |
Positive scan |
| Vascular Disorders of the Brain and Spinal Cord | Document neurological and cardiovascular symptoms and signs | Positive physical findings, scan or documentation |