While neurosurgeons are more commonly thought of as brain surgeons, more often than not they spend the majority of their time on procedures and conditions affecting the spine and nervous system. Conditions commonly seen in adults requiring the expertise of a neurosurgeon are different than those conditions seen in children. Adults commonly see a neurosurgeon for back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated disks, degenerative diseases of the spine, cerebrovascular disorders, brain and spinal tumors, and stroke. Children, on the other hand, who require the care of a pediatric neurosurgeon, often experience neurosurgical conditions that will be present for life, requiring close, ongoing care as they develop into young adults.
Conditions treated by a pediatric neurosurgeon include:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spina Bifida
- Scoliosis
- Lordosis
- Kyphosis
- Brain and Spine Trauma
- Brain and Spine Tumors
- Tethered Spinal Cord
- Chiari Malformations
Training Requirements
A neurosurgeon’s training is the longest training period of any medical specialty. To specialize in pediatrics, neurosurgeons continue on after their five to seven year residency to complete a pediatric specific fellowship. Board certified pediatric neurosurgeons are given certifications from the American Board of Neurological Surgery and the American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery.
Treatment Philosophy
“I am passionate about helping patients improve their quality of life. My care philosophy is to treat each patient like I would want a provider to treat myself or a family member, providing the most compassionate and effective care possible,” states pediatric and adult neurosurgeon, Dr. Priscilla Pang of The Center.
Dr. Pang, Central Oregon’s only board certified pediatric neurosurgeon, practices a conservative approach using a wide variety of non-operative treatment options. Children are full of life, are active, and growing – so if surgery is determined necessary, it is performed in the least invasive way to shorten recovery times and reduce pain. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, Dr. Pang develops and implements care plans that are individualized to fit the unique needs of each child and their family.
