Pediatric Neurosurgery in Bangalore — Advanced Brain & Spine Surgery for Children

Why Choose Kshema Pediatrix for Pediatric Neurosurgery in Bangalore?

• Dedicated Pediatric Neurosurgeon with specialized training in pediatric brain and spine surgery
• Advanced neuronavigation and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for safe tumor and spine surgery
• Minimally invasive neuroendoscopic procedures including endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)
• Multidisciplinary team including Pediatric Neurologist, Developmental Pediatrician, and Rehabilitation team
• PICU with dedicated neonatal and pediatric neurosurgical post-operative care
• Fetal and antenatal counseling for prenatally detected neural tube defects
• Long-term neurological follow-up and developmental monitoring after surgery
• Family counseling on realistic expectations, rehabilitation, and quality of life

Conditions We Treat

Spina Bifida in Children

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect where the spinal cord and its coverings fail to close completely during fetal development. Myelomeningocele (open spina bifida) — the most severe form — requires surgical closure within the first 24–48 hours of life to prevent infection and minimize neurological deterioration. We counsel families antenatally about the condition, manage the newborn from birth, and coordinate long-term rehabilitation encompassing urological, orthopedic, and developmental support.

Tethered Cord Syndrome

Tethered cord syndrome occurs when the spinal cord is abnormally attached (tethered) to surrounding structures, preventing its normal upward movement during growth. It can present with progressive leg weakness, gait deterioration, scoliosis, bladder and bowel dysfunction, or back pain in children. Surgical untethering — releasing the attachment under microsurgical guidance — halts neurological deterioration and often leads to functional improvement. Early intervention, before fixed deficits develop, gives the best outcomes.

Hydrocephalus in Children

Hydrocephalus is the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles, causing increased intracranial pressure. It can be congenital (from birth) or acquired (after meningitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, or tumor). Treatment involves either insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt — a drainage tube from the brain to the abdomen — or endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for appropriate cases. We tailor the surgical approach to the child’s age, CSF dynamics, and underlying cause.

Brain Tumors in Children

Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children after leukemia. Types include medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, craniopharyngioma, and brainstem gliomas. Surgical resection — aiming for maximum safe removal — is the cornerstone of treatment for most brain tumors. We use neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI (where available), and neurophysiological monitoring to maximize tumor removal while protecting critical neurological function. Surgery is coordinated with pediatric oncology for adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation planning.

Split Cord Malformation (Diastematomyelia)

Split cord malformation is a rare congenital anomaly where the spinal cord is divided into two hemicords by a bony or fibrous septum. It frequently causes tethered cord syndrome. Surgical division of the septum and untethering of the spinal cord prevents progressive neurological deterioration. Early diagnosis through spinal MRI in children with skin stigmata (hairy patches, dimples, lipomas over the spine) is important.

Pediatric Spine Surgery

Beyond tethered cord and split cord conditions, pediatric spine surgery encompasses management of spinal cord tumors, spinal dermoid and epidermoid cysts, and severe scoliosis with neurological compromise. Our Pediatric Neurosurgeon manages intraspinal pathology, coordinating with our Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon for complex spinal deformity cases requiring combined neurosurgical and orthopedic approaches.

Symptoms Parents Should Not Ignore

• Rapid increase in head circumference in an infant, or bulging fontanelle
• Sunset sign (downward deviation of the eyes) in an infant — sign of hydrocephalus
• A visible bulge or sac on the spine at birth — possible myelomeningocele
• Progressive leg weakness, walking difficulty, or change in gait in a child
• New onset bladder or bowel dysfunction with back or leg symptoms
• Persistent early morning headache with vomiting in a child — possible brain tumor
• A hairy patch, lipoma, or deep dimple over the lower spine — skin marker of underlying cord anomaly
• Seizures in a child — especially new onset focal seizures

Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Options

• MRI brain and spine with dedicated pediatric protocols — the gold standard for CNS conditions
• Fetal MRI for prenatally detected neural tube defects
• Neuronavigation-guided tumor and biopsy surgery
• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for obstructive hydrocephalus
• Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion for communicating hydrocephalus
• Myelomeningocele repair in newborns within 24–48 hours of birth
• Microsurgical cord untethering for tethered cord and split cord malformation
• Brain tumor resection with neurophysiological monitoring
• Post-operative neurological rehabilitation and developmental support

Benefits of Early Pediatric Neurosurgical Intervention

• Early myelomeningocele closure minimizes neurological damage and infection risk
• Hydrocephalus treatment before severe brain compression preserves cognitive development
• Cord untethering before fixed deficits prevents permanent neurological disability
• Brain tumor resection in early stages improves survival and reduces adjuvant treatment burden
• Early diagnosis of skin markers of spinal dysraphism prevents avoidable deterioration

When to See Our Panel of Pediatric Doctors?

Neurological conditions in children always have implications beyond the brain and spine. At Kshema Pediatrix, our Pediatric Neurosurgeon works in active collaboration with our Pediatric Neurologist for medical neurological co-management, seizure control, and neurophysiological assessment. Children with brain tumors are managed jointly with our Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist for chemotherapy planning and our Pediatric Endocrinologist when tumors like craniopharyngioma cause pituitary dysfunction.

Children with spina bifida receive lifelong comprehensive care coordinated between our Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Pediatric Urologist (for neurogenic bladder), Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon (for lower limb and spine deformity), and Developmental Pediatrician. Post-operative rehabilitation is directed by our physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams. Our Child Psychologist supports children and families through the psychological burden of neurological conditions. Genetic syndromes associated with neural tube defects are evaluated by our Pediatric Geneticist.

Specialized Pediatric Neurosurgical Care in Bangalore

Kshema Pediatrix provides South Bangalore families with access to dedicated pediatric neurosurgical expertise — conditions that previously required traveling to distant tertiary centers can now be managed closer to home with the same level of specialist care. Our PICU provides intensive post-operative neurological monitoring for all brain and spine surgeries. We serve families across Bengaluru, Karnataka, and neighboring states who seek precise, compassionate pediatric neurosurgical care. Every case is discussed at our multidisciplinary meeting to ensure the safest, most evidence-based surgical plan.

Conclusion

Your child’s brain and spine deserve the most precise, compassionate surgical care available. At Kshema Pediatrix, Bangalore’s dedicated pediatric neurosurgery center, our team combines advanced microsurgical expertise with a deep commitment to your child’s long-term neurological well-being. From myelomeningocele repair on the first day of life to hydrocephalus management and brain tumor resection, we are equipped and experienced to handle the most challenging pediatric neurological conditions.

Contact Kshema Pediatrix, Kanakapura Road, Bangalore today. Early neurosurgical care protects your child’s brain and future.