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Congenital Abnormalities
Congenital abnormalities refer to those disorders and diseases that result from birth defects or abnormal growth and development. Examples of such problems in the nervous system are hydrocephalus, spina bifida, Chiari malformations and Dandy-Walker malformations. In general, these abnormalities cannot be treated with medications, but require surgical intervention. In addition, because these abnormalities may involve more than one organ system, a multi-disciplinary team of medical experts may be required to evaluate and treat these problems.
The UW Department of Neurological Surgery has a unique experience in the treatment of congenital abnormalities of the nervous system. This stems from the broad array of clinical and basic research programs amongst our four UW affiliated medical centers. Our multi-disciplinary team of pediatricians, geneticists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and developmental biologists has expertise in evaluating and treating disorders such as hydrocephalus, Chiari malformations, chromosomal anomalies, neural tube defect, and craniofacial abnormalities. Diagnostic facilities include comprehensive genetic testing and advanced imaging units (CT, 3-D CT, MRI, cine-gated MRI, and nuclear medicine imaging). In addition, state-of-the-art instrumentation, including programmable shunts, resorbable implants, endoscopic systems and frameless stereotactic navigation systems are available for intra-operative use. Most importantly, pre-natal, neonatal, pediatric and adult specialists and specialty clinics and facilities are available within our system.
Patient Care Introduction
| Aneurysms
| Brain Mapping | Case Studies | Chiari Malformation
Congenital Abnormalities
| Epilepsy | Movement Disorders | Moyamoya Disease | Pain
and Spasticity
Pediatrics | Peripheral
Nerves | Radiosurgery and Radiotherapy | Spine
Stroke and Vascular Lesions | Trauma | Tumors