Neurosurgery

Research
 

Here in the Department of Neurosurgery, our treatment is informed by our scientific research. In fact, Children’s Hospital Boston is home to the world’s most extensive research enterprise at a pediatric hospital.

Our Neurosurgery Department physicians—who are also members of the Harvard Medical School faculty—conduct ongoing research into the causes of, and treatments for, many diseases and disorders relating to the brain, spine and nervous system. We also collaborate with visionary scientists at Boston’s universities and throughout the surrounding biomedical community.

While our individual researchers’ projects cover a broad spectrum of topics, all of our researchers share one goal: to find the best ways to treat children of all ages who are fighting these diseases.

Current neurosurgery research projects underway at Children’s include:

• investigating ways to enhance the “rewiring” of brain connections in children who have experienced spinal cord injuries or stroke
• using vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for epilepsy
• determining the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments for Moyamoya disease
• understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in brain and spinal cord tumor development and progression
• using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to monitor electromagnetic activity in the brains of epilepsy patients
• improving long-term outcomes for children who have suffered neurological trauma

Neurosurgery research at Children's

Meet our neurosurgical researchers and learn about their areas of focus.

Clinical trials at Children’s

Children’s is known for pioneering some of the most effective techniques in the field of neurosurgery. A significant part of our success comes from our commitment to research—and to advancing the frontiers of what’s possible in neurosurgery by conducting clinical trials.

Children’s conducts hundreds of clinical trialsat any given time. Clinical trials are studies that may involve:

• evaluating the effectiveness of a new drug therapy
• testing a new diagnostic procedure or device
• examining a new treatment method for a particular disease
• taking a closer look at the causes and progression of specific conditions

While children must meet strict criteria in order to be eligible for a clinical trial, your child may be eligible to take part in a study. Before considering this option, you should be sure to:

• consult with your child’s treating physician and treatment team
• gather as much information as possible about the specific course of action outlined in the trial
• do your own research about the latest breakthroughs relating to your child’s condition

If your physician recommends that your child participate in a clinical trial, you can feel confident that the plan detailed for that study represents the best and most innovative care. Taking part in a clinical trial at Children’s is entirely voluntary. Our team will be sure to fully address any questions you may have, and you may remove your child from the medical study at any time.

• Search current and upcoming clinical trials at Children’s
   
• Search for a study focusing on brain or spinal cord tumors         
    
• Search the National Institutes of Health’s list of clinical trials taking place around the world