neurosurgery

Our multidisciplinary craniofacial program includes plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neuro-ophthalmologists and advanced pediatric ENT specialists. We treat both simple and complex craniosynostosis and multi-suture synostoses. 

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In some cases, a routine prenatal ultrasound reveals problems that may require surgery soon after birth. When this is the case, a pediatric neurosurgeon can have a prenatal consultation with the mother to discuss what is ahead and how to prepare. Newborns who need surgery are transferred from the birthing hospital to Dayton Children’s soon after delivery. Our specially trained surgeons use the most advanced surgical equipment to perform complex procedures. These services are provided to families through The Fetal to Newborn Care Center. This center provides a nurse navigator to help expectant mothers through the complex medical system when diagnosed with a fetal condition. Learn more about this program at fetaltonewborn.org.

Dayton Children’s neurosurgeons have extensive experience in performing minimally invasive surgeries, sometimes called microsurgeries. This is an alternative to open surgeries, and can involve using the most advanced endoscopic procedures, laser technology and high-frequency ultrasound. Benefits include faster healing, less pain, less scarring and quicker recovery.

Peripheral nerve surgery is performed for patients suffering from a nerve injury, compression and entrapment or a tumor. Dr. Kamian is one of only a few neurosurgeons in the entire country who has expertise in peripheral nerve surgeries and the only one in our area.

Imaging technology such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound helps our pediatric neurosurgeons see detailed structures of the brain and spine during surgery. This type of “image-guided,” or stereotactic, surgery allows them to navigate to remote parts of the brain and avoid structures that can affect functions such as speech and movement.

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is a surgical procedure used to reduce muscle stiffness, also known as spasticity, in patients with conditions like cerebral palsy. Spasticity is caused by abnormal communication between the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. SDR aims to improve mobility, function and quality of life by selectively cutting nerve rootlets in the spinal cord that are sending abnormal signals to the muscles. SDR is often used when other treatments, like physical therapy or medicine, have not been effective enough. 

Read more about Dayton Children’s approach to SDR surgery

Our team treats patients suffering from spinal column/cord injuries or complex congenital anomalies. We work together with our orthopedic surgeons to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.

Tumors of the brain and spine require a different approach to care. Children who are diagnosed with these tumors are at higher risk for behavior and personality changes, as well as learning difficulties, as a result of the tumor or treatment. Dayton Children’s neuro-oncology team includes a hematologist/oncologist, neurosurgeon, endocrinologist, nurse coordinator, psychologist and social worker, who work together to make sure each child’s needs are met. Approximately 70 percent of new patients seen by the neuro-oncology program at Dayton Children’s each year require surgery to treat their tumor.

Dayton Children’s is a Level I pediatric trauma center. Neurosurgeons are on-call 24/7 and are prepared to treat any patients who may come to the emergency and trauma center with a head injury.

Dayton Children’s offers vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), a minimally invasive therapy for patients with epilepsy. Dr. Kamian is among the first in the country to use the latest FDA-approved technology to help children control drug-resistant epilepsy. The AspireSR 106 generator for the Vagal Nerve Stimulation Therapy System is the first and only system to gauge heart rate increases that often precede a seizure and send the stimulation to stop that seizure, without any action required from the patient or caregivers. This improves the quality of life for children with multiple seizures a day, those who can’t communicate or move well or children who have seizures while sleeping.