Pediatric neurosurgery treats surgical conditions of the brain, spine and nerves in infants, children and adolescents. Because a child's nervous system is still growing, doctors make decisions about timing and technique with growth and development in mind. Common conditions include hydrocephalus, spina bifida, tethered spinal cord, Chiari malformation, craniosynostosis, brain tumours and head injuries.

Parents often notice warning signs first, such as a rapidly enlarging head, persistent vomiting, bulging of the soft spot, poor feeding, delayed milestones or repeated fits. At Apex, the doctor takes a careful birth and development history, examines the child gently and arranges imaging suited to age, using sedation only when it is truly needed.

Surgery is planned together with the family and, where relevant, with pediatricians and neurologists. Children often recover quickly, but they need regular follow-up because shunts may block, and some conditions require monitoring through growth.

Pediatric neurosurgery services at Apex include:

• Hydrocephalus Management: Assessment of excess fluid within the brain and, when needed, placement of a shunt that drains fluid to another part of the body, with follow-up to confirm that it works.
• Spinal Birth Defect Care: Evaluation and surgical treatment of spina bifida and tethered cord, aiming to protect nerve function and prevent worsening of leg, bladder or bowel problems.
• Skull Shape Disorders: Assessment of babies whose skull bones fuse early, with surgery in selected cases to allow normal brain growth and shape.
• Childhood Head Injury and Tumour Care: Evaluation and surgical treatment of bleeding after head injury and of brain growths, coordinated with pediatric and oncology colleagues.