Pediatric brain and spine care in Chicagoland
When your child has a brain or spine condition, they need doctors who are experienced in providing specialized care for children with these conditions. Pediatric neurologists at Ascension Alexius Pediatric Brain Care in Chicagoland have advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating newborns and children with brain, spine and nervous system disorders:
- Brain and spinal cord tumors
- Chiari malformations (when part of the brain bulges through an opening in the skull)
- Congenital anomalies (disorders or malformations that are present at birth)
- Craniosynostosis (when bones in the skull grow together too early)
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Headaches
- Hydrocephalus (build up of fluid around the brain)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Other neurological conditions
Your child’s care team has the expertise to deliver a range of therapeutic and surgical care – from medication and nerve stimulation to nerve decompression and neurosurgery. We also offer prenatal consultations if you have a concern about your baby’s brain and spine development during pregnancy.
Pediatric EEG for monitoring and care for epilepsy and other conditions
For brain, nerve and spinal cord injuries and illnesses, your doctor may recommend neurologic diagnostic tests. From advanced diagnostics to ongoing monitoring, your doctor will work with your family on a personalized care plan. An electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity in your child’s brain and is used for monitoring epilepsy, seizure and other neurologic conditions. Our pediatric neurologists can also read and interpret EEG recordings performed at other facilities. Ask about an in-person or online visit for your child’s consultation.
Pediatric neurosurgery for brain and spine conditions
When you choose Ascension Illinois for your child’s care, your child will have a dedicated team of pediatric specialists. Experienced pediatric neurosurgeons work closely with pediatric neurologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons and neonatologists to offer advanced care to newborns, children and teens.
Brain and spine cancers: Pediatric neurologists work with pediatric hematologists and oncologists at Ascension Illinois. Your child’s cancer doctor and neurosurgeon work together to deliver surgical care, treating cancer and tumors.
Care for craniofacial conditions: Your child’s neurosurgeon works alongside pediatric plastic surgeons to deliver plastic and reconstructive surgery for craniofacial conditions in newborns and children.
Maternal fetal medicine (MFM) and newborn conditions: If your baby has a brain or spine condition, pediatric neurosurgeons at Ascension Illinois work with your OB-GYN and MFM specialist to create a treatment plan for your child. And, have confidence knowing you are connected to advanced newborn care in our NICUs.
Your child’s surgeon is trained in the latest technology and techniques, including image-guided technology, endoscopic procedures and minimally invasive surgery. Whenever possible, pediatric neurosurgeons use minimally invasive surgical techniques, which use small incisions and may help shorten your child’s recovery.
We understand brain or spine surgery can feel scary for your child and your family. Tell us your concerns and ask us your questions — big and small. Your child’s care team takes the time to explain the procedure to you and your child. We also explain what to expect before and during surgery and how to care for your child after surgery.
After surgery, your child’s care team connects your family with supportive care, including pediatric rehabilitation therapy.
Get a second opinion from a pediatric neurologist or neurosurgeon
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your child’s doctor and care plan are right for your child and family. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Alexius Pediatric Brain Care. We can review your child’s medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss treatment options. Talk with one of our pediatric neurologists or neurosurgeons about a personalized care plan.
When your child has a new diagnosis or you’re deciding on a care plan, there’s a lot to think about. We can discuss both therapeutic and surgical treatment plans. Our team of highly experienced pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons can provide you with a second opinion based on experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your child’s appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your child’s medical records from their doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your child’s care team before your arrival.
Refer a patient to a pediatric specialist
Your pediatric patients and their families can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our pediatric specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs and to develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral, please call 844-366-0619.
If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
