UCSF offers the most comprehensive pediatric neurological surgery program in Northern California, with pediatric doctors who specialize in treating complex disorders that can affect a child's brain and spinal cord. Central to the management of complex clinical problems is a team approach to each child's diagnosis and therapy. The team includes doctors who are Board certified in pediatrics and anesthesia, pediatric critical care, and neonatal critical care as well as clinical specialty nurses and other health care professionals. There is a particular expertise in the management of complex brain tumors in children and cerebrovascular disorders requiring a range of expertise.

By integrating translational research with this multidisciplinary approach to patient care, our specialists are also able to bring new therapies into clinical practice. Several clinical trials are available through the Children's Oncology Group, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, the UCSF Center for Cerebrovascular Research, and the Fetal Treatment Center at UCSF.

Our clinical pediatric neurosurgery program is situated at two primary sites: UCSF Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland. US News & World Report recently named the Pediatric Neurosurgery Service at UCSF among the best in the nation.

Pediatric Neurosurgical Specialties:

Pediatric Brain Tumors

Pediatric Spinal Cord Tumors

Pediatric Cerebrovascular Disorders
          Arteriovenous malformations
          Cavernous malformations
          Stroke

Congential Disorders
          Chiari malformation
          Craniofacial anomalies
          Craniosynostosis
          Hydrocephalus
          Spina Bifida (myelomeningocele, meningocele, spina occulta)

Pediatric Epilepsy

Nerve Injury

Spasticity and Cerebral Palsy

Traumatic brain and spinal cord injury

For pediatric brain tumors or cerebrovascular lesions that are inoperable, or for patients who cannot tolerate surgery, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery can deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the abnormality while sparing surrounding brain tissue from unecessary injury.

Our neurosurgeons also collaborate with the Fetal Treatment Center at UCSF, a leading center of innovation for evaluation of fetal anomalies and treatment using minimally invasive techniques.