Finding out your child has a brain or spine tumour is an incredibly taxing experience for any parent. In these moments, you need more than just surgical expertise—you need a compassionate treatment partner who understands the unique physiological and emotional needs of a developing child.

Dr Vishakha Karpe Patil, a leading pediatric Neurosurgeon in Hyderabad, specialises in the delicate management of paediatric neuro-oncological conditions, combining advanced surgical precision with a family-centred approach.

Understanding Paediatric Neuro-Oncology :

Children are not “small adults.” Their nervous systems are still developing, which means tumours in children behave differently from those in adults. Paediatric tumours often require specialised surgical techniques to preserve growth, cognitive function, and future neurological development.

Common Types of Paediatric Brain Tumours

Posterior fossa tumors : 

Medulloblastoma: Usually arising in the cerebellum, this is the most common malignant brain tumour in children.

Pilocystic Astrocytomas: These can range from low-grade (slow-growing) to high-grade in the cerebellum

Ependymomas: Often found in the lining of the ventricular system or the spinal cord.

Supratentorial tumors : 

Craniopharyngiomas: Benign tumours located near the pituitary gland that can affect vision and hormones.

Gliomas – can involve the cerebral hemispheres.

Paediatric Spine Tumors

Spinal tumours in children are rarer than brain tumours but require immense precision to prevent long-term mobility issues. These may include:

Intramedullary tumours (inside the spinal cord).

Extramedullary tumours (outside the cord but within the spinal column).

Symptoms to Watch For

Early detection is vital. Because younger children may not be able to articulate their discomfort, look for these signs:

Increased Head Circumference: In infants, a rapidly growing head or bulging fontanelle.

Persistent Headaches: Especially those that occur early in the morning or are accompanied by vomiting.

Vision Changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or involuntary eye movements.

Motor Skill Regression: Sudden clumsiness, loss of balance, or weakness in limbs.

Seizures: Any unexplained seizure activity in a child.

Why choose Dr Vishakha Patil 

When it comes to your child’s neurosurgery, Dr Vishakha Karpe Patil utilises a multi-disciplinary and tech-forward approach to ensure the safest outcomes.

Microsurgery: Using high-powered microscopes to remove tumours while sparing healthy brain and nerve tissue.

Advanced gadgets and techniques:

Minimally Invasive Microsurgery: Utilises techniques which involve minimally invasive approaches for smaller incisions, faster recovery and reduced hospitalisation.

Neuronavigation (GPS for the Brain): Employs real-time imaging to guide the surgeon precisely to the tumour site.

Intraoperative fluorescence microscopy: Fluorescein dye will be injected intravascularly, and the tumour tissue takes up dye and becomes fluorescent under the microscope, which allows better visualisation of tumor avoiding injury to normal brain parenchyma

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring: IONM will help in real-time monitoring of neurological function and also help to reduce the inadvertent injury of functioning neural structures and improve safety. 

Comprehensive Post-Op Care: Collaboration with paediatric oncologists and rehabilitation specialists to ensure a holistic recovery.

“Our goal is not just to treat the tumour, but to protect the child’s future. Every surgery is planned with the preservation of function and quality of life as the highest priority.”

 — Dr Vishakha Karpe Patil

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are all paediatric brain tumours cancerous?

A: No. Many paediatric tumours are benign (non-cancerous), but because they are located in the brain or spine, they still require expert management to prevent pressure on vital structures.

Q: What is the recovery period like for a child after neurosurgery?

A: Every child is different. While some patients may stay in the hospital for 5–7 days, long-term recovery involves ongoing monitoring and physical therapy to ensure that developmental milestones are met.

Q: Will my child need chemotherapy or radiation?

A: This depends entirely on the tumour type and grade. Dr Vishakha works closely with a team of specialists including oncologists to determine if surgery alone is sufficient or if adjuvant therapy is needed.

Consult Dr Vishakha Today

If your child is experiencing neurological symptoms or has received a diagnosis, seek a specialised second opinion. Early intervention by an expert neurosurgeon can make all the difference.

Location: Hyderabad, India

Book an Appointment:

About Dr Vishakha Patil – the best pediatric neurosurgeon in Hyderabad 

Dr Vishakha Basavraj Karpe is a highly skilled senior consultant at Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Banjara Hills and Hydernagar Hyderabad. She is known for her comprehensive care approach and is one of the few dedicated leading paediatric neurosurgeons in the city and India with over twelve years of extensive experience in pediatric neurosurgery. 

Her expertise includes treating hydrocephalus, spinal dysraphism, craniosynostosis, paediatric brain infections, brain and spine tumours and stroke surgery. She has a special interest in craniosynostosis surgery, which is done only in very few centres in India.

Proficiency of Dr Vishakha – Neurosurgeries Expertise

Hydrocephalus (increased fluid in the brain): The procedure involves an endoscopic third ventriculostomy or CSF diversion (VP shunt) to treat complex hydrocephalus.

Craniosynostosis (abnormal head shape due to premature cranial sutures fusion) surgeries: Helmet therapy is a technique that is used in both endoscopic and open surgery.

Spinal dysraphisms(Spina Bifida)- (spinal abnormalities present by birth) – surgical repair

Encephalocele repair surgery.

Vascular conditions and stroke surgeries: revascularisation surgeries for moyamoya disease.

Pediatric brain and spine tumour surgeries.

Pediatric brain and spine infection surgeries: Endoscopic and open surgeries for brain and spine infections.

Pediatric traumatic brain and spinal injury.

Antenatal counselling for congenital fatal neurosurgical conditions.

For appointment with the best pediatric neurosurgeon in Hyderabad, Dr Vishakha, please contact, +91 9676416408, +918618978597 or visit our website www.drvishkhaneurosurgeon.com