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

  • 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

  • Parent Blog: Teri Gorsh

    Ean Gorsch photo "In February of 2014, our son, Ean, had starting mysteriously waking up with vomit in his bed. It wasn't until he fell asleep watching TV one evening that we discovered what was really going on." -Teri Gorsh Read more

  • Leah McClain

    Leah McClain Leah was 7 years old and living with her family in Knoxville, Iowa, when she had her first life-threatening seizure. Her parents took her to a local emergency room, and she was flown by helicopter to a Des Moines hospital. Two months later, she had a similar seizure and was again taken to Des Moines. By summer of that year, she was experiencing headaches and intestinal issues.Read more

  • Laurel Schaul

    Laurel Schaul Laurel was playing with friends in the basement of her Springville home when an accident left her with intense back pain. Her mother took her to a walk-in clinic, where she was directed to go to the emergency room at a Cedar Rapids hospital. As her mother was helping her into the van, Laurel told her she could feel her legs but could no longer move them. 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
    • Phone: 319-356-2237 A physician referral is required.

Care Team