Neurology and Neurosurgery

A message from our division chiefs

We share a collective commitment to shaping the future of pediatric neurological and neurosurgical care through innovation, collaboration and clinical excellence. 

Over the past 25 years, our divisions have remained at the forefront of advancements in the treatment of rare and complex conditions. For example, our pediatric neuromuscular program pioneered breakthroughs in the care of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a progressive and devastating disorder. The team was instrumental in clinical trials that led to the approval of the first gene therapy for DMD, offering hope by slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. 

Similarly, the pediatric neurosurgery division has led groundbreaking efforts in cerebrovascular care, epilepsy surgery and the surgical management of hydrocephalus, complex spinal and craniofacial disorders. Our Center for Cerebrovascular Disorders in Children provides lifesaving interventions for arteriovenous malformations and other vascular anomalies and is a national leader in epilepsy surgery, advancing techniques that restore seizure-free lives. Innovative programs like Transition of Care ensure seamless care and support for adolescents and young adults with hydrocephalus and epilepsy. 

Our neurosurgery division has also achieved some of the lowest ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infection rates nationally, reflecting our dedication to quality and safety. Furthermore, we offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with brain tumors, integrating surgical expertise with advanced radiation techniques, precision radiosurgery and innovative clinical trials. 

We are proud to be one of the country’s largest treatment sites for DMD gene therapy, having treated nine patients to date, while simultaneously expanding our neurosurgical programs in cerebrovascular care and epilepsy surgery. Our minimally invasive and precision-based approaches have transformed outcomes for children with hydrocephalus, craniofacial anomalies and epilepsy. 

Each of these accomplishments reflects our expert teams’ commitment to advancing the fields of pediatric neurology and neurosurgery. We are equally dedicated to training the next generation of specialists and fostering collaboration to ensure our patients receive care at the leading edge of innovation. 

From groundbreaking gene therapies to transformative surgical care, our program remains steadfast in delivering the highest level of expertise, compassion and innovation. We are honored to serve our patients across the spectrum of care and look forward to continuing to redefine excellence in pediatric medicine.   

Berge Minassian, M.D.

Brad Weprin, M.D., MHCM

OUTCOMES

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Innovations in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery: 2024 year in review

This past year, the neurology and neurosurgery department at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, part of Children’s Health, has led innovations transforming pediatric neurology and neurosurgery care. In partnership with UT Southwestern, we’re proud to share these advancements – which highlight our ongoing mission to make life better for children. Through groundbreaking clinical trials, new treatments and pioneering programs – we continue to be recognized among the nation’s best children’s hospitals.

Read about our latest innovations in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery below:

Using intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) to treat retinoblastoma in children

IAC delivers chemotherapy directly to retinoblastomas, improving outcomes and reducing the need for eye removal. Children’s Health and UT Southwestern are among the few centers in the country able to offer this complex therapy, which requires expertise from specialists in pediatric oncology, endovascular neurosurgery, ophthalmology and neuroradiology. Together, the team is saving children’s eyes and vision.

Identifying the most effective surgery for Chiari malformations

Large retrospective studies by pediatric neurosurgeons at Children's Health and UT Southwestern are helping pinpoint which surgical approach for Chiari malformations will lead to the best outcomes for each patient. Their findings contradict current concerns in the field that more invasive surgeries have a higher risk of complications. The studies found that more invasive procedures, like posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty and tonsil resection, led to greater symptom reduction and syrinx resolution but did not increase surgical complications.

New treatment improves quality of life for children with DMD

Children’s Health is one of the few centers in the U.S. approved to offer Elevidys, a new, game-changing gene replacement therapy that can reduce the devastating impacts of DMD with just one dose. The team at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern are actively engaged in research that is improving the future for children with DMD, including clinical trials for gene replacement therapies, new corticosteroids and other treatments.

Discover more innovations in pediatric neurosciences at Children’s Health