AlanBarnsley, Author at Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

What is an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)? An endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an operation, done by our neurosurgical team, under a general anaesthetic. It treats some types of hydrocephalus by making a small hole in the bottom of the third ventricle to improve the flow of...

Your child has been referred for spinal surgery. This resource will give you some information about the monitoring your child’s surgeon has asked us to perform. The surgeon will have already discussed the risks of surgery with you. What is selective dorsal rhizotomy? Selective dorsal rhizotomy...

What is selective dorsal rhizotomy? Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce tight and stiff muscle tone (spasticity) in the lower legs. It works by dividing some of the sensory nerve roots within the lumbar region of the spine (lower back). This may help to:...

Why use a shunt? Shunts are used to manage a condition called hydrocephalus. If your child is diagnosed with hydrocephalus then using a shunt to manage their symptoms and keep them well will be considered by the neurosurgical team here at the Children’s. How does a shunt work? A shunt is a...

Introduction Your healthcare team feel that you are ready to go home. This advice has been designed to give you all the information you need to take home with you. Please ask the staff if you have any questions. Personal identification information Your health speciality for ongoing outpatient care...

Introduction Your healthcare team feel that you are ready to go home. This advice has been designed to give you all the information you need to take home with you. Please ask the staff if you have any questions. Personal identification information Your health speciality for ongoing outpatient care...

Introduction Your healthcare team feel that you are ready to go home. This advice has been designed to give you all the information you need to take home with you. Please ask the staff if you have any questions. Personal identification information Your health speciality for ongoing outpatient care...

The aim of this information is to give you basic advice about caring for your child at home after they have undergone a neurosurgical procedure. It will include some general neurosurgical advice as well as a space for you child’s nurse to write any specific care instruction for your child at...

Certain bacteria, including Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA) and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), are found naturally on many peoples’ skin and inside their noses. These germs are usually harmless and do not cause any problems. However, we know that people who...

You have been told that your child needs a cerebral angiogram and the aim of this advice is to give you basic information about what is involved in this procedure. What is cerebral angiogram? A cerebral angiogram is an X-ray investigation which shows the blood vessels in your child’s brain. A...

What is spina bifida? Spina bifida is a term used to describe a condition where the spinal cord, surrounding nerves and or spinal column does not to develop normally during the first 28 days of pregnancy. The condition can affect the nervous, urinary, muscular and skeletal systems, often causing...

What is VNS used for? Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) is used as a treatment option for people who experience epilepsy that is poorly controlled with anti-epileptic medicines. The aim of VNS is to reduce the amount and length of seizures that your child has. It aims to prevent the irregular electrical...

What is stereotactic radiosurgery? Stereotactic radiosurgery (STRS) is a technique that uses lots of narrow beams of special X-rays to accurately treat an area within the brain using a machine called a ‘gamma knife’. It allows high doses of radiation to be given to the abnormal area, without...

What are neurological observations? Neurological observations are a series of simple tests and observations that help the nurses and doctors who are caring for your child to assess your child’s level of consciousness. The tests and observations involve: waking your child and asking them a few...

What is an external ventricular drain (EVD)? Cerebrospinal fluid is a protective fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It flows through the fluid filled spaces in the brain called ventricles. Our body normally controls the amount of cerebrospinal fluid in these spaces by production and...

What is a craniotomy? A craniotomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of bone is removed from the skull to give surgeons access to your child’s brain. This then allows the surgeons to do further procedures such as: brain biopsies tumour removals epilepsy surgery shunt insertion If a...

What is intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring? Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is a diagnostic neurosurgical procedure which is used to measures the pressure in someone’s head. A catheter (tube) is put through a small hole in the skull and into the outer layer of the brain. The...