Children & families
Information for parents and caregivers. Dr Labuschagne cares for babies, children and teenagers with conditions of the brain, skull and spine, and plans each child's care with the family.
Caring for your child
A neurosurgical diagnosis in a child raises many questions. Each consultation sets aside time to explain the condition, the options (including when surgery is not needed) and what recovery involves, so that you can make decisions with confidence.
Children's care is planned with the wider team, including paediatric anaesthetists, neurologists, oncologists and therapists, at Netcare Unitas Hospital and Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital. Expectant parents are welcome to meet before the birth when a condition is found on an antenatal scan.
Conditions
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Hydrocephalus and shunts
A build-up of the fluid around the brain. Many children are treated with a shunt, which needs long-term follow-up.
Read moreEndoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)
For selected children with a blocked fluid pathway, an alternative to a shunt using a small camera.
Read moreCraniosynostosis
Early fusion of the joints of a baby's skull. Depending on the type and your baby's age, treatment may be minimally invasive (including FEASR) or open surgery.
Read morePositional plagiocephaly (flat head)
Flattening of a baby's head from lying in one position. It is normally not treated with surgery; repositioning, tummy time and physiotherapy usually help, with helmet therapy for selected babies.
Read moreSpina bifida
Incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord before birth, often found on antenatal scans.
Read moreTethered spinal cord
The lower end of the spinal cord is held down, so it stretches as a child grows. It may be linked to spina bifida or to skin markers on the lower back.
Read moreChiari malformation
The lowest part of the brain sits lower than usual, through the opening at the base of the skull. Many children need no surgery.
Read moreEpilepsy and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
When seizures continue despite medication, an epilepsy surgery assessment may help.
Read moreBrain tumours in children: an overview
An introduction to childhood brain tumours. Treatment is planned with paediatric oncologists and the multidisciplinary tumour board.
Read morePosterior fossa tumours
Tumours at the back of the brain near the cerebellum, the most common site of brain tumours in children, including medulloblastoma, pilocytic astrocytoma and ependymoma.
Read moreBrainstem tumours, including DIPG and DMG
Tumours of the brainstem range from focal tumours, which often have a good outlook, to diffuse midline glioma (DIPG/DMG), which needs specialist, compassionate care.
Read moreCraniopharyngioma
A benign but challenging tumour near the pituitary gland and the nerves to the eyes, which can affect vision, growth and hormones.
Read morePineal region tumours
Tumours near the pineal gland, deep in the centre of the brain. Treatment depends greatly on the tumour type, which blood and fluid tests can sometimes identify without surgery.
Read moreSpinal cord tumours
Tumours within or around the spinal cord. Uncommon in children; surgery uses neuromonitoring to protect function.
Read moreUseful links for parents
Information and support organisations for families, in South Africa and abroad.
Useful linksQuestions
Answers about referrals, what to bring, fees and medical aids are in the practice FAQ.
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