Pediatric Neurosurgery

Pediatric Neurosurgery is the branch of Neurosurgery that is concerned with the disorders of the nervous system and its supporting structures in children. Children are not just miniature adults. They have unique physiology and problems. The specialty of Pediatric Neurosurgery is exclusively practiced by approximately 140 surgeons in the United States. Board certification in Pediatric Neurosurgery requires additional training and certification above that required for certification in general Neurosurgery (adult and pediatric). Typical neurosurgical cases that we care for are congenital malformations of the nervous system, head injuries, epilepsy, spasticity, brain tumors, spine problems, and hydrocephalous among others.

The neurosurgeons associated with CPNN are: Dr. Carolyn M. Carey, Dr. Luis F. Rodriguez, Dr. Gerald F. Tuite and Dr. Bruce Storrs is expected to return in September of 2009. All of the neurosurgeons, are full-time clinical faculty members of the University of South Florida, College of Medicine. CPNN and the USF College of Medicine have entered into Agreement to provide collaboration in the education and training of medical students and postgraduate physicians-in-training and the delivery of services to patients.

These neurosurgeons have a cumulative practice experience of more than 70 years of pediatric neurosurgery. They also have published more than 200 scientific articles and book chapters as well as several books. They have served as Chairman of Departments, neurosurgery training program directors and as officers of national neurosurgery organizations. All of these neurosurgeons meet the highest possible standard of board certification in both general neurosurgery and pediatric neurosurgery and are involved in several research studies.

Caring for a child with a neurosurgical problem is a team effort. As the parent or guardian you are an essential team member.

Pediatric Epilepsy

Dr. S. Parrish Winesett, who is also employed by the University of South Florida, is our fellowship trained pediatric epileptologist who specializes in the comprehensive evaluation of pediatric patients with difficult to treat epilepsy. Most patients can be treated successfully with medications, but there are patients in whom medications produce unacceptable side effects or are not able to control seizures. These patients are best served by our comprehensive epilepsy program where they are evaluated for other treatment consultations for the management of aniepileptic medications.

We seek to provide state of the art therapy for epilepsy focusing on those patients that most need our help. We work hard to keep your neurologist and pediatrician informed. Once the evaluation is complete and therapy is instituted, we will return you to the care of your referring neurologist and provide advice as needed.