Neurosurgery

Pediatric Neurosurgery

University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is home to one of the most experienced and comprehensive pediatric neurosurgery programs in the nation and the only nationally ranked program in Iowa. Our pediatric neurosurgeons are recognized as leaders in the field and experts at treating children with conditions affecting the brain, and spinal cord, including the most complex pediatric neurosurgical cases.

Neurological problems in children who need surgery can be very different from those in adults. That’s why it’s important to rely on the expertise of pediatric neurosurgeons who are specially trained to treat infants, children, and adolescents. Also, many pediatric neurological conditions require lifelong follow-up care, so we work closely with young patients and their families to ensure their comfort and earn their trust. That’s why physicians refer patients to us from throughout the state, across the nation, and around the world.

UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is internationally recognized for both clinical expertise and research in pediatric neurosurgery. We have developed and refined the use of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of many pediatric neurosurgical conditions.

Second Opinion Program

If you have been told that your child needs neurosurgery, it is important to consider every alternative. That's why we offer a second opinion program, which gives you access to the world-class pediatric neurosurgeons at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Learn more about our Second Opinion Program.

Services

Health Information

Anesthesia

Patient Stories

  • Parent Blog: Jolene Paulson

    Blaine Araujo, portrait Blaine fell when he was 2 years old and needed neck surgery, and Arnold Menezes, MD, discovered he had a cervical stenosis–the protective area around the spine had degenerated and become narrow. Read more

  • Parent Blog: Dan and Manda Shine

    Gemma Shine, photo "We met with a pediatric neurosurgeon who confirmed a diagnosis of metopic craniosynostosis with trigonocephaly – the front suture of her skull had fused prematurely in utero and would need to be separated and reconstructed surgically." – Dan and Manda Read more

  • Parent Blog: Nicole Schneeberger

    Nicole Schneeberger's son, photo "I really would like to thank the pre-op and post-op staff from the operating room and on the 9th floor who cared for my son during such a scary time. They were truly amazing and I can’t thank them enough for being top-notch." -Schneeberger Scheeberger Read more

  • Ean Gorsh

    Ean Gorsh, portrait In February 2014, Ean fell asleep and began vomiting. Unresponsive and not breathing, his parents called 911, and Ean was rushed to the emergency room by ambulance. After testing, pediatric neurologists at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital determined he was having seizures caused by epilepsy. Read more

  • Parent Blog: Ashley Kayser

    Parker Calkins, photo When Parker was 3 days old, a pediatric neurosurgeon confirmed my son’s diagnosis of congenital hydrocephalus. At 4 months old, he underwent surgery to place a VP shunt within his brain.Read more
View all related Patient Stories

Locations and Contact

  • UI Stead Family Children's Hospital
    1800 John Pappajohn Pavilion
    200 Hawkins Drive
    Iowa City, Iowa 52242
    In House Directions: Elevator H, Level 1
    Contact
    • 1-319-356-2237 A physician referral is required.

Care Team