Neuroscience Archives - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Different types of attention Managing attention is a key skill that is fundamental to everything we do. There are different types of attentional capabilities: Sustained attention Sustained attention is sometimes referred to as concentration. It involves focusing on a task for a prolonged period of...

It can be hard to manage executive skills, but there are a few ways you can help your child. General tips Create routines for your child’s day and week Use rewards to help reinforce positive behaviour and avoid punishing negative behaviour Model planning, organisational and time management skills...

What is an acquired brain injury (ABI)? An acquired brain injury is when something has caused damage to the tissue of the brain. The affects can be temporary or permanent. Brain injuries can be caused by many different things. These can include the following: road traffic incident hit to the head...

What are executive functions? Executive functions are a set of skills that allow us to live independently and do our daily activities. They can be thought of as a co-ordinator, whose job is to manage of all other cognitive functions (such as language, memory, attention) so that you can complete...

People with neurological conditions can have difficulties understanding and managing their emotions. This booklet for parents and carers provides a set of tools and resources for understanding and managing feelings.

What is memory? Memory is important in our lives and helps us complete day to day tasks. It allows us to: recall past experiences recognise someone as familiar remember what we need to do in the future learn new skills or information follow instructions When people have difficulties with their...

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...

What is a clinical psychologist? The clinical psychologist working in neurosciences at Sheffield Children’s Hospital is Dr Helen Russell. They support young people and families at times of emotional difficulty, including listening to your concerns and trying to understand your situation to...

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 hydrocephalus? The word hydrocephalus comes from the Greek ‘hydro’, meaning water and ‘cephalous’ meaning head. Hydrocephalus is the medical term given to a condition causing the build up of cerebrospinal fluid within the skull. cerebrospinal fluid is a watery fluid...