Our Approach & Expertise

Children with brain and spinal cord tumors have different needs from other children with cancer. Some of the symptoms that brought children with CNS tumors to medical attention originally (seizures, visual changes, cognitive/behavioral changes, weakness of arms or legs, and hormonal changes to name a few) require highly trained specialists to help manage the problems while treatment for the tumor is ongoing. It is necessary that a closely-knit interdisciplinary team of experienced medical professionals evaluate these children. Such a team exists at Memorial Sloan-Kettering to care for children, teenagers, and young adults with brain and spinal cord tumors.

Our team of experts includes two pediatric neurologists who specialize in the care of children with brain tumors who may have neurologic concerns such as weakness, seizures and developmental delay. Our team also consists of a psychiatrist, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, physical and occupational therapists, and integrative medicine providers who work closely together to ensure that your child is receiving the appropriate attention for the symptoms related to the tumor.

Close monitoring of your child during treatment is essential for detecting and treating any side effects of treatment which your child may experience. Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation services are available at Memorial Sloan-Kettering and become an integral part of restoring your child to his/her previous level of functioning, both during and after treatment.

Close Partnerships

We also work closely with various foundations and societies like the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation and Make-A-Wish to help your child and your family cope with the difficulty of being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Once your child has completed treatment for his or her brain tumor, we continue to provide support for any tumor or treatment related side-effects. These may include on-going cognitive changes, neurologic symptoms, and school re-entry issues.