When to Call Your Doctor

January 11, 2010

Before leaving the hospital, discuss with your doctors (and write down in your notebook) what signs and symptoms you might expect to see during your child’s recovery period as well as what constitutes an emergency, and where to take your child if an emergency occurs. Collect prescriptions for all medicines you might possibly need. A [...]

Read the full article →

Going Home

January 11, 2010

Going home can be exciting and joyous, as fearful, for the whole family. It can be hard to leave the security of your doctors and nurses, even though they are only a phone call away. These guidelines will help ease the transition: The hospital’s social services department or nursing staff can help you plan for [...]

Read the full article →

Structures of the Spinal Cord

December 18, 2009

The spinal cord makes up two thirds of the CNS and is a pathway for nerve impulses. Sensory information (such as touch, temperature, pressure and pain) is carried to the brain. Commands that relate to movement (motor function) and reflexes travel from the brain to all parts of the body. The spinal cord is protected [...]

Read the full article →

Structures of the Brain

December 11, 2009

From the outside, the most obvious parts of the brain are: The cerebrum, made up of two wrinkled cerebral hemispheres in the left and right halves of the upper The cerebellum, a smaller section attached to the lower back portion of the cerebrum The brain stem, which extends down from the center of the brain [...]

Read the full article →

Cells of the Brain and Spinal Cord

November 22, 2009

Like all living tissue, the brain and spinal cord are made up of cells, which in turn have characteristics and names unique to their function. Neurons are the workhorses of the nervous system, sending and receiving signals to and from the brain via interconnections too numerous and complex for scientists to count or map. Unlike [...]

Read the full article →

Glossary of Terms

November 11, 2009

A ANALGESIC A medication administered to reduce pain. ANAPLASIA Cells or groups of cells that grow without structure. (Often used to describe cancer cells.) ANESTHESIA The administration of medications, both intravenous and gaseous, to provide pain relief and/or unconsciousness during surgery. ANESTHESIOLOGIST A physician specializing in the study and administration of anesthesia and in the [...]

Read the full article →

Becoming Your Child’s Advocate

November 11, 2009

An advocate is a person who speaks in support of, or pleads the cause of, someone else. You are the best advocate for your child. Sometimes your child’s voice will only be heard if you speak up. Here are some tips that will help you: Keep a daily journal of your child’s health, including any [...]

Read the full article →

Getting a Second Opinion

November 11, 2009

Not everyone wants or requires a second opinion, but it can be reassuring. No doctor should be insulted by your consulting another doctor about your child’s well-being. Seek a second opinion from a pediatric specialists familiar with cases similar to your child’s. Ask your doctor to make the appointment for you. You’re more likely to [...]

Read the full article →

How Do I Support My Child After the Operation?

November 11, 2009

This is an emotionally stressful time for both children and their parents. Your child’s anxiety level will rise when he or she witnesses or senses your anxiety and fear. Play is a wonderful outlet. Stuffed animals and dolls can help children express their frustration over a brain tumor–they invent a friend who has the same [...]

Read the full article →

Preparing for Surgery

November 11, 2009

Help prepare your child for neurosurgery by explaining what is going to happen in a way he or she can understand. This means you will need to clearly understand what is going to happen. This will also prepare you to give “informed consent,” when you are asked to sign papers giving permission for surgery. Have [...]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →