Our Approach to Care
At NewYork-Presbyterian, we take a fully integrated approach to the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders in children at every stage, from infancy, to childhood, adolescence, and the transition into adulthood. Our multidisciplinary team of pediatric neurologists, pediatric neurosurgeons, cerebrovascular neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists, and stereoradiosurgeons have expertise in the evaluation and treatment of cerebrovascular disorders, using the most advanced neurosurgical procedures that provide internationally recognized care.
- Accurate and Prompt Diagnosis: Because cerebrovascular disorders can result in brain damage that may worsen the longer blood flow is blocked, a prompt and accurate diagnosis is critically important. Our expert team will perform a thorough physical and neurological examination; and may use imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI perfusion studies, or cerebral angiography to confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment: The decision to treat a cerebrovascular disorder depends on the type of disorder, its location, the risk of future complications if it is left untreated, and the risk of neurological deficits that may be associated with its treatment. We use a variety of approaches that may include medicine, surgery, or watchful waiting.
Holistic and Comprehensive Care
At NewYork-Presbyterian, we recognize that every patient with a cerebrovascular disorder has a unique combination of symptoms, circumstances, and needs. Our pediatric neurosurgeons take a holistic approach to care that considers the entire patient, including his or her physical, emotional, and social factors. We strive to partner with patients and their parents in shared decision-making, empowering them with knowledge, support, and the most effective treatment options to address symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Our pediatric brain and spinal programs are directed by highly trained clinicians with specific areas of expertise. From the moment of diagnosis, our team of pediatric neurologists, pediatric neurosurgeons, cerebrovascular neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists, stereoradiosurgeons, and other specialists customize a treatment plan for your child. Nurses, child life specialists, social workers, and others are vital members of the team who deliver and support your child's care. Together, your child's team selects and manages the most effective combination of therapies.
Seamless, Coordinated Care
We understand it can be challenging to juggle appointments and manage all the different aspects of your child's care. To provide seamless, efficient care, our patient care coordinators manage all the specialty consultations and steps required to care for your child. Our coordinators help arrange any necessary appointments, explain treatments, and review the timeframe for your child's care. We also help coordinate the care provided by our team with your child's pediatrician.
Why Choose Us
Expertise in Cerebrovascular Disorders
At NewYork-Presbyterian, our pediatric neurosurgeons have particular expertise in cerebrovascular conditions like moyamoya disease and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), with many years of experience in the treatment of these pediatric disorders.
- Our pediatric neurosurgeons are specially trained in the latest radiosurgery techniques to treat AVMs, utilizing the most sophisticated equipment — such as the Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, proton beams, and linear accelerators.
- NewYork-Presbyterian has dedicated operating rooms with angiography equipment, which allows neurosurgeons access to high-tech images to confirm the complete resection of the AVM at the time of surgery.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
NewYork-Presbyterian’s pediatric neurosurgeons are internationally recognized for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of neurosurgical diseases and disorders in children. Their knowledge and clinical expertise across the entire spectrum of pediatric disorders of the brain and spine, coupled with a multidisciplinary team approach, enables them to develop expertise in very rare conditions such as gene therapy, prenatal surgery, movement disorders, cerebrovascular diseases, spasticity, and craniovertebral junction (CVJ) abnormalities.
As physicians affiliated with dedicated children’s hospitals, they collaborate with pediatric specialists in every field of medicine and surgery as needed, including child neurologists and neuroradiologists, anesthesiologists, neuropathology, nurses, child life advocates, and social workers specially trained to work with children.
World-Class Brain & Spine Centers
NewYork-Presbyterian’s world-class brain and spine centers, located at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, offer the most advanced, comprehensive pediatric neurosurgical care to children of all ages for a wide range of pediatric brain and spine conditions, using innovative treatments and a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach.
Access to Pediatric Specialists
Your child's healthcare team has access to all of the various pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists who practice at NewYork-Presbyterian, ensuring that all of your child's medical needs can be addressed.
Seamless Access to Resources and Support Services
At NewYork-Presbyterian, patients and families have seamless access to our vast resources, including on-staff neuropsychologists who offer testing and treatments for emotional and cognitive issues that may occur after a brain disorder. We also have a Parent-to-Parent program that can connect you personally with a parent whose child has been treated for the condition your child has.
Pioneers in the Field
Our pediatric neurosurgeons are actively involved in research to improve treatments for neurologic conditions including cerebrovascular disorders, epilepsy, brain tumors, and other disorders that affect neurological function in children of all ages, from newborns to young adults. We are committed to our pursuit of progress in the labs and at the bedside to achieve the best possible outcomes and quality of life for our patients and their families.