Comprehensive Care for Children with Hydrocephalus and Congenital Anomalies of the Nervous System

Many congenital anomalies of the nervous system (birth defects), such as hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, spina bifida, and encephalocele are treated primarily with surgery. At the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, we have established an exceptional program to treat these diseases. Our dedicated staff includes a multidisciplinary team of pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists, pediatric orthopaedists, urologists, rehabilitation specialists, and physicians in the human genetics program. Research grants fund this program so that we can bring the latest discoveries to children with these conditions.

Hydrocephalus

A common neurological disease, hydrocephalus--fluid on the brain--can occur after premature birth or trauma, or from a congenital anomaly. Our hydrocephalus care is internationally recognized, and parents from many countries bring their children to us for expert treatment. We offer the full range of devices to shunt, or drain, excess fluid from the brain. University of Chicago neurosurgeons are skilled at designing the optimal approach for each child. We can fine-tune fluid drainage with programmable valves and other shunt components to increase effectiveness and comfort for our young patients. We also offer new, non-invasive ways of testing the effectiveness of shunts after they have been implanted--eliminating the need for other, more painful tests.

Spina Bifida

We offer coordinated, interdisciplinary inpatient and outpatient care for spina bifida. In our outpatient clinics, our team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, pediatricians, urologists, and orthopedists monitors each child from their first days of life into adulthood. The team provides care for each child's existing spina bifida problems and helps the child avoid new complications as they grow older.

Chiari Malformation

Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) is a congenital abnormality located where the brain and the spinal cord join together. Children with CM1 suffer fatigue, headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness, chronic pain, impaired vision, and decreased feelings in the hands and feet. Our treatment of CM1 is also recognized internationally. Many patients travel from across the country and the world to be evaluated, seek expert opinions, and receive the most up-to-date treatments available. Because we know that CM1 can affect every aspect of a child's life, we have a support group to assist these children and their families.

Other Congenital Anomalies

The neurogenetics clinic, staffed by a team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and members of the human genetics program, evaluates and treats children with a variety of congenital neurologic problems. Our team is able to diagnose syndromes often unrecognized at other institutions and follow up with appropriate, effective treatment.