Paediatric Neurosurgery for Brain and Spine Conditions at Apollo Adlux Hospital, Angamaly. Children with disorders of the brain, skull or spine need care that considers both the neurological condition and the child's growth and development. The paediatric neurosurgery service at Apollo Adlux Hospital, Angamaly, evaluates congenital conditions, childhood brain and spinal tumours, head and spine injuries, and other problems that may require surgery.

Treatment planning is individualised. Depending on the condition, care may involve paediatric neurology, neonatology, critical care, radiology, oncology, rehabilitation and other surgical specialties. Not every child needs an operation; the first step is a detailed assessment and a clear discussion with the family about the diagnosis, available options and expected follow-up.

Conditions treated

• Congenital hydrocephalus, in which excess cerebrospinal fluid enlarges the brain's fluid spaces and may increase pressure.
• Tethered cord syndrome and selected spinal dysraphism conditions that restrict movement of the spinal cord and may affect the legs, bladder or bowel.
• Craniofacial and skull anomalies requiring neurosurgical assessment, including selected conditions involving abnormal skull growth or pressure.
• Brain and spinal cord tumours in infants, children and adolescents.
• Paediatric head injury, spinal injury and other childhood neurotrauma.
• Other congenital or acquired brain and spine conditions where surgery may protect neurological function or relieve pressure.

Symptoms that need medical assessment: Symptoms vary with age. In babies, warning signs may include a rapidly increasing head size, a tense or bulging soft spot, repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, irritability, downward-looking eyes or seizures. In older children, persistent headache, vomiting on waking, loss of balance, weakness, changes in school performance or a new seizure need evaluation.

Possible tethered cord symptoms include back or leg pain, progressive weakness, altered walking, foot deformity, scoliosis, numbness, or new bladder and bowel problems. After an injury, loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, unequal pupils, weakness, a seizure, neck pain or unusual behaviour requires urgent emergency assessment.

Evaluation may include a neurological and developmental examination, ultrasound in selected infants, MRI or CT imaging, and tests based on the suspected condition. For hydrocephalus, the neurosurgeon assesses the cause, pressure effects and whether cerebrospinal fluid diversion is needed. Options may include a shunt or, in selected children, an endoscopic procedure such as endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

Patients receive coordinated evaluation for complex brain, spine and nerve conditions with access to emergency care, diagnostic imaging, critical care and rehabilitation support as clinically required. Treatment is planned around the diagnosis, neurological function and individual goals. To know symptoms or a neurosurgical diagnosis, book an appointment with the Neurosurgery team at Apollo Adlux Hospital, Angamaly. For sudden severe neurological symptoms, seek emergency care immediately