A child with a neurological condition places extraordinary emotional weight on a family. Pediatric neurosurgery has advanced dramatically in recent decades — offering safer operations, better long-term outcomes, and real hope for children with brain tumours, hydrocephalus, spinal defects, and congenital malformations.
Children are not small adults. Their nervous systems are still developing, their skulls are growing, and surgical decisions made today affect a lifetime ahead. Prof. Giv Sharifi brings multidisciplinary neurosurgical experience to complex paediatric cases, working alongside paediatricians, oncologists, and rehabilitation teams in Dubai and Tehran.
Why Pediatric Neurosurgery Is Different
Paediatric neurosurgeons operate on anatomy that changes as the child grows. A shunt placed in infancy must accommodate years of development. Cranial vault surgery must allow for future brain growth. Tumour biology in children differs from adults — medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and pilocytic astrocytoma have distinct treatment pathways.
- Smaller, more delicate anatomical structures
- Growing skull and developing brain require long-term planning
- Different tumour types and treatment protocols than adult neuro-oncology
- Family-centred communication and emotional support throughout care
- Multidisciplinary teams including paediatric ICU and rehabilitation
Common Conditions Treated
Pediatric neurosurgery covers a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions. Early diagnosis and specialist referral significantly improve outcomes.
- Brain tumours in children (medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma)
- Hydrocephalus — congenital and acquired
- Spina bifida and tethered spinal cord
- Craniosynostosis (premature skull fusion)
- Chiari malformation and syringomyelia
- Arachnoid cysts and congenital malformations
- Head injuries and raised intracranial pressure
Modern Surgical Advances
Technology has transformed paediatric neurosurgery. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) treats hydrocephalus without a permanent shunt in selected children. Minimally invasive endoscopy reduces brain retraction during tumour surgery. Intraoperative MRI confirms resection completeness. Neuronavigation guides precise approaches through smaller openings.
For spina bifida, early closure of the neural tube defect and ongoing urological and orthopaedic follow-up give children the best chance at mobility and independence. For craniosynostosis, minimally invasive endoscopic strip craniectomy with helmet therapy in infancy can reshape the skull with smaller scars than traditional open vault remodelling.
Hydrocephalus: A Leading Paediatric Condition
Hydrocephalus — excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles — is one of the most common conditions paediatric neurosurgeons treat. Symptoms in infants include an enlarging head, vomiting, and lethargy. Treatment options include ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement or endoscopic third ventriculostomy, depending on the underlying cause and anatomy.
Shunt technology has improved significantly, but shunt malfunction remains a long-term consideration. Regular follow-up with a neurosurgical team familiar with paediatric hydrocephalus is essential through childhood and adolescence.
Brain Tumours in Children
Paediatric brain tumours are the second most common childhood cancer after leukaemia. Treatment typically combines surgery, and where indicated, chemotherapy and radiation — coordinated by a paediatric neuro-oncology team. Surgical goals focus on maximum safe resection while preserving neurological function.
Posterior fossa tumours (in the back of the brain) are particularly common in children and can affect balance, coordination, and cranial nerves. Experienced paediatric neurosurgical technique minimises long-term neurological deficits.
The Role of Family & Multidisciplinary Care
Successful paediatric neurosurgery extends beyond the operating theatre. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and educational support help children reach their full potential after surgery. Families need clear communication, realistic expectations, and access to psychological support throughout the treatment journey.
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When to Seek a Paediatric Neurosurgical Opinion
Parents should seek urgent specialist review if a child has persistent headaches with vomiting, new seizures, rapidly enlarging head circumference, loss of developmental milestones, or weakness in limbs. A paediatric MRI and neurosurgical consultation can clarify the diagnosis and open the door to timely treatment.
Prof. Sharifi offers consultation for complex paediatric neurosurgical cases in Dubai and Tehran. Early referral — before neurological damage progresses — gives children the best chance at a full and active life.