Neuroradiology
If your child has a brain or spinal cord tumor, our neuroradiologists learn more about the tumor by taking a series of images of the brain. Based on these images, our brain tumor team determines how to treat the tumor. At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we offer the most advanced neuroimaging tests so that your child receives the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Neuroradiology: Why Choose Us
As a dedicated pediatric hospital, caring for children is what we do. We have the only full-time pediatric neuroradiologists in Southern California. Our neuroradiology department uses a variety of strategies to help your child feel at ease during these appointments.
When you come to Children’s Hospital, your child benefits from:
- Advanced imaging: The more we learn about a tumor through imaging, the more we can tailor your child’s treatment options. In addition to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans that pinpoint tumor size and location, we also use magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy scans. MR spectroscopy gives us information about how aggressive the tumor is so that we can target it more effectively.
- Comprehensive preparation: Long MRIs can be intimidating for kids. Before the day of your appointment, your child can lie in one of our mock MRI scanners while our specialists explain the procedure in child-friendly terms. This helps ease fears and offers an opportunity for you or your child to ask any questions about the imaging process.
- Compassionate support: As a pediatric hospital, we know how to put children at ease during stressful experiences. For example, when children need a long MRI, they can use special goggles to watch their favorite movie or television show during the scan. Child Life specialists are on-site to support your family by sitting with your child during the scan, providing activities for distraction or offering coping strategies for anxiety. If needed, we may give children medication to help them keep calm and still during the scan.
- Timely treatment: Neuroradiologists in our Brain Tumor Center specialize in using imaging tests to diagnose pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors. They work closely with neurosurgeons, neuropathologists, neuro-oncologists and other members of your child’s treatment team. This close collaboration and niche expertise means your child receives efficient, effective treatment immediately after diagnosis.
Neuroimaging Options
The first step in diagnosing a brain or spinal cord tumor is to learn more about the tumor’s makeup through imaging tests. A wide range of tests ensures that your child receives an accurate, timely diagnosis. Our expert neuroradiologists offer several imaging options, including:
Computed tomography (CT)
A CT scan takes a series of X-rays that show a comprehensive 3D image of your child’s brain or spinal cord. Typically, if your child goes to the emergency department (ED) because of neurological symptoms like headaches, the ED staff performs a CT scan. These scans are often the first images we use to identify a tumor.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI scans can tell us more about the type of brain or spinal cord tumor your child has. This scan uses magnets and radio waves to create two- or three-dimensional pictures of the brain or spinal cord. Your child may need multiple spinal cord or brain tumor MRIs throughout treatment to monitor progress and ensure that treatment is working.
Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy
MR spectroscopy includes an MRI plus a series of tests called spectroscopy, which identify the chemical makeup and aggressiveness of the tumor. This detailed data means our specialists can create more targeted, personalized treatment plans to provide the best chance of a positive outcome for your child.
Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Treatment
Based on the results of your child’s imaging, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and neuro-oncologists quickly collaborate to create a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumor might include:
Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Treatments
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, your child has access to a full range of programs and services for diagnosing and treating brain and spinal cord tumors. Learn more about our brain tumor diagnosis and treatments.
