Preparing for Neurosurgery

Our Neurosurgery program provides services that include the evaluation and surgery of brain, nerve and spinal cord diseases and disorders in infants, children and teenagers. Neurosurgical intervention may be needed in cases of:

Brain and spinal tumors
Brain and spinal trauma
Seizures/epilepsy
Head trauma
Hydrocephalus
Spinal disorders
Spina bifida and other neurological birth defects
Brachial plexus

Surgery tours

Having surgery can be stressful and scary for a child. To help ease these fears, pre-surgery tours are led weekly by a Child Life specialist. The tour allows patients who are at least 4 years old, and their families, to see the operating and recovery rooms before the day of the surgery. During the tour, the Child Life specialist will help you understand what will happen on the day of surgery. If your child is younger than 4 years old, a private tour can be arranged

Benefits of a pre-surgery tour:

Eases patient fears by talking about the surgery process.
Allows the child and family to learn more about Cook Children's Medical Center, such as where to check in, wait and recover on the day of surgery.
Gives the child and parents a chance to ask questions before the day of surgery.

Tour schedule:

Pre-surgery tours are held once a week and last 45 minutes to one hour. If you are unable to come to one of the scheduled tours, a private tour can be set up with a Child Life specialist at a more convenient time. To speak with a Child Life specialist, talk with your child's medical team.

We're here to help.

If your child has been diagnosed, you probably have lots of questions. We can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staff, please call our offices at 682-303-2650.