services and programs
Our neurosurgeons collaborate with other specialists at the hospital to ensure that each child receives comprehensive, coordinated care. These specialists can include neurologists, emergency medicine physicians, neonatologists, maternal-medicine specialists, oncologists, genetic counselors, rehabilitation therapists and many more.
Dayton Children’s also participates in research studies with Miami Valley Hospital’s neurosurgery department as part of the Wright State University and Premier Health Neuroscience Institute. This means patients and families have opportunities to participate in research studies designed to enhance neurosurgical care.
Learn more about our services and programs:
craniofacial program
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. Learn more
fetal conditions and newborn surgery
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.
hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus occurs when cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) - the clear, water-like fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord - is unable to drain from the brain. It then pools, causing a backup of fluid in the skull.
Sometimes referred to as "water on the brain", hydrocephalus can cause babies´ and young children's heads to swell to accommodate the excess fluid.
If hydrocephalus is diagnosed, treatment will depend on the age of the child, the cause of the cerebral spinal fluid build-up (whether from a blockage, overproduction of fluid or another problem), and the child's overall health.
Shunt procedures, which have been the standard of care for decades, involve surgically implanting one end of a catheter (flexible tube) into a ventricle of the brain and placing the other end in the abdominal cavity, chambers of the heart or space around the lungs where fluid is drained and absorbed by the bloodstream. A valve in the shunt system regulates flow to prevent over-draining and under-draining.
minimally invasive surgery
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
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 surgery
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.
spine
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
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.
trauma
Dayton Children’s is a Level II pediatric trauma center. Neurosurgeons are on-call 24/7 and are prepared to treat any patients that may come to the emergency and trauma center with a head injury.
vagal nerve stimulation
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.
