Fetal Neurological Care
A baby's brain and spine start developing in the early phases of pregnancy—often before a woman knows she's expecting. Sometimes problems occur, leading to congenital spine and brain malformations. These problems can cause serious medical issues after birth.
Cedars-Sinai is home to fetal neurological experts. We can diagnose problems earlier and coordinate care that gives your baby the best possible start in life.
Exceptional Care and Services
We start caring for children with congenital brain malformations before they are born. We offer fetal MRI and genetic testing for an accurate diagnosis and in utero surgery when necessary. Our team also provides counseling for congenital spine defects.
Fetal MRI and Other Advanced Imaging Studies
3D ultrasound assesses the fine details of your baby's brain structures and spinal cord. Fetal MRI with rapid processing technology produces clear images that improve our diagnostic capabilities. We use these tests to confirm a diagnosis and tailor treatments to your baby's needs.
Genetic Testing and Counseling
Cedars-Sinai is home to one of the few pediatric geneticists in the L.A. area. Genetic testing helps determine whether your baby is at risk of developing birth defects due to abnormal genes. We explain the results so you can make informed decisions. Learn more about pediatric medical genetics.
Prenatal Counseling
We work closely with the prenatal counseling team. If your baby is diagnosed with an in utero condition, we explain the diagnosis and what it means for his or her health. We also discuss whether the problem may require a cesarean section or early delivery. Learn more about genetic services provided by the prenatal counseling team.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Your baby's care may include surgery after birth. Our team performs minimally invasive procedures on newborns and infants using sophisticated instruments to make tiny incisions. This technique allows us to safely access problem areas while protecting nearby healthy brain tissue. Minimally invasive surgery also allows your baby to recover more easily.
Utero and Perinatal Neurological Conditions We Treat
We diagnose and treat a variety of fetal neurological conditions, including myelomeningocele, Chiari malformation and other congenital brain malformations.
Our Team Approach to Evaluating and Treating Complex Neurological Conditions
We work alongside other Cedars-Sinai specialists to evaluate your baby and provide care recommendations. Our team meets regularly to determine the best options for your child. And our experts have decades of experience helping families navigate testing and treatment options.
Our team includes specialists in:
- Pediatric anesthesiology
- Pediatric cardiology
- Pediatric genetics
- Pediatric intensivists
- Pediatric orthopaedics
- Pediatric neurology
- Pediatric neurosurgery
- Perinatology
We partner with additional Cedars-Sinai specialists whenever necessary, including:
- Obstetricians and maternal fetal medicine experts who specialize in safely delivering babies with serious health problems
- Orthopaedists who evaluate complex spinal malformations and skeletal dysplasia
- Ear, nose and throat specialists who treat cleft lip and palate, underdeveloped ears (microtia) and other craniofacial conditions
- Neurovascular specialists who repair problems in the brain's blood vessels, including cerebrovascular malformations
- Pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgeons who treat complications affecting the head and face
- Pediatric urologists who treat tethered spinal cord complications that affect bladder function
Have Questions or Need a Second Opinion?
Call us or send a message to our pediatric neurosurgery care team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.