Pediatric Neuropsychology Service
The Pediatric Neurosurgery team at Children’s of Alabama is one of only two programs in the country to include a pediatric psychologist embedded within the department. The overall health and well-being of our patients and their families are important to us, and we recognize the challenges that often accompany medical conditions and neurosurgical interventions. Our psychology service aims to support patients and families by collaborating with the treatment team to facilitate adjustment to the hospital setting, providing caregiver services and support, and treating patients who are experiencing problems with learning, behavior, or mood in addition to their medical conditions. Services include psychological and neuropsychological testing, individual and group therapy, parent management training, and both inpatient and outpatient consultation/liaison services. Our psychology service is also involved in research within the department examining factors of risk and resilience to caregiver and patient adjustment in the pediatric hydrocephalus population.
Children’s brain injuries remain the leading cause of death for children in the United States and more than 1.7 million brain injuries occur per year. Children’s of Alabama is the only level 1 pediatric trauma center in the state of Alabama, and as such is a major referral center for children who have suffered from trauma. Our pediatric neurosurgeons have extensive experience and expertise in the management of severe head injuries in children. A multi-disciplinary approach with colleagues in the Division of Pediatric (Trauma) Surgery and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine is emphasized acutely to assure comprehensive care for children. Children’s of Alabama features state-of-the-art operative suites and advanced monitoring capabilities for intra-cranial pressure and other critical body system monitoring. Seamless transition to the Division of Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM and R) is accomplished after the child’s overall situation is stabilized and longer term care is initiated.
