Paediatric Neurosurgery by LINDY MAY

The growth of co-operation between disciplines when caring for the paediatric neurosurgical patient in recent years has been admirable. As demands increase, so the skills of the multidisciplinary team have adapted, progressed and developed to keep pace with the changing needs and requirements of the child. All members

of the team should contribute in promoting good neuroprotection and rehabilitation for the child and should be able to assist in research-based and evidence-based practice.
According to family systems theory, anything that affects one member of the family affects the whole family; therefore the multidisciplinary team must provide joint decision making and integrated family care whenever
possible.
Children fortunately suffer from fewer neurosurgical illnesses than adults; this partly explains why there are few paediatric neurosurgical departments throughout the world, although cost and location are also important factors. It is therefore important that communication and education are shared across units, be this in the form of conferences, e-mail, and such working groups as the British Paediatric Neurosurgical Nursing Benchmarking Group.
The aim of the book is to pull together the main themes surrounding the paediatric neurosurgical patient; it is an abbreviated summary of a very complex subject and does not set out to cover every aspect of the needs of
these children. The first chapter gives an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system, signs and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure, and the main neurodiagnostic procedures used in children.
Chapter 2 describes the vast topic of hydrocephalus in children, subdural haematoma and the rare condition of benign intracranial hypertension (BIH). Chapter 3 describes the care of children with congenital spinal abnormalities including all forms of spina bifida and the more unusual craniovertebral abnormalities of childhood. Chapter 4 guides the reader   through the vast subject of paediatric central nervous system tumours, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and palliative care.
Chapter 5 outlines the care of the child undergoing surgery for intractable epilepsy. The complex care requirements of the child following head injury are the subject of Chapter 6, and Chapter 7 describes the skull abnormalities of craniosynostosis and the associated surgical intervention and care. Chapter 8 describes congenital abnormalities of the brain, including encephalocoeles, cysts and Arnold Chiari malformations.
Chapter 9 describes the main vascular abnormalities of childhood and the treatment and care required.
Each chapter ends with a section written by a parent and child. It is hoped that we will learn from their thoughts and that our care will be improved from a deeper understanding of their feelings. Many of the parents have found it cathartic to write, and have also learned more about their child’s feelings.
Those interested in this group of children are, by nature, inquisitive and challenging. It is hoped that this book will provide education and interest and will stimulate further developments in this field.

Paediatric Neurosurgery
A handbook for the multidisciplinary team

LINDY MAY
RGN, RSCN, MSc(Neuroscience), Diploma in Counselling
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London