Testing and Diagnosing Brain Tumors in Children

Our pediatric neuroimaging program is a leader in comprehensive and innovative imaging of the brain and spinal cord of children. Pediatric radiologists, with a subspecialty in brain imaging, provide evaluation using the most innovative imaging and diagnostic equipment, and are active in pioneering new procedures that can detect even the smallest brain abnormalities in children of all ages — even babies who are still in the womb.

The first step in providing the right treatment is making the right diagnosis the first time. When children are very young or very sick, they’re often unable to communicate well enough to tell doctors how they are feeling. As pediatric experts, we understand these needs and are skilled at using the latest technology — combined with special techniques designed to put kids at ease — to capture the most accurate images, from which neuroimaging specialists can identify a full spectrum of common or complex conditions.

We have the latest technology and equipment to perform these critical neurological tests right at Children’s Hospital:

• CT or CAT Scan (Computed Tomography Scans)
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA)
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis (Spinal Tap or Lumbar Puncture)
• Evoked Potentials
• Myelogram
• Ultrasound (Sonogram)

We also offer magnetoencephalogram (MEG) imaging through our affiliation with UPMC Presbyterian for functional localization in children with seizure disorders in association with brain tumors.