Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is a specialty that operates on disorders or diseases that affect the brain and spinal cord.

As Paediatric Neurosurgeons we look after children and young people from the first day of life up until 16 years of age. We also work together with the Fetal Medicine Team to support pregnant mothers whose baby has a condition that might need our help after birth.

The Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery is based at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. We look after kids from all over Scotland with neurological disorders affecting the brain and spine.

Some of the conditions we treat include:

• Tumours of the brain and spinal cord
• Chiari malformation 
• Hydrocephalus
• Spina bifida 
• Moyamoya 
• Craniosynostosis (Glasgow is home of the National Craniofacial Service)
• Cerebral palsy 
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Injury to the spinal cord and spinal column 
• Arachnoid cysts 
• Arteriovenous malformations and other abnormalities of blood vessels in the brain 

Glasgow is the only department in Scotland that provides Consultant led paediatric neurosurgical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This means we have good working relationships with other units across the country.

The team includes 4 fellowship trained paediatric neurosurgeons, dedicated Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialists and registrars for paediatric neurosurgery.

The group deliver around the clock care in a patient focused environment. We work closely with other paediatric specialists and departments including Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU). The maternity unit is on site and we look after babies with neurological problems from the moment they are born.

We take referrals from all over the country. If you need to come from far away, patient rooms have an additional bed for a parent to stay. Ronald McDonald House is next to the hospital and also allows families to stay close to their children.

If your child needs to be seen by paediatric neurosurgery, your doctor or paediatrician can refer to the paediatric neurosurgery team. We take referrals from hospitals all over Scotland and work with other units to deliver patient and family centred care.