What to Expect at Your First Appointment at the Craniosynostosis and Cranial Reconstruction Center
At Cincinnati Children’s, we understand that craniosynostosis surgery can feel overwhelming or scary for your family. The Craniosynostosis and Cranial Reconstruction Center is led by neurosurgery and plastic surgery experts who are dedicated to compassionate and coordinated care, so you never feel like you’re facing this alone.
From the moment your child is referred, you’ll be guided by a personal nurse coordinator who will be with you through every decision and phase of treatment. Your coordinator also will work with you to get every appointment, surgery and test scheduled. They’ll gather medical records and make sure the center has all the information it needs before the surgery. You’ll never have to do that on your own.
Making an Appointment at the Craniosynostosis and Cranial Reconstruction Center
Most patients come to the center through a referral from their pediatrician. Parents also can reach out directly and schedule an appointment online.
We understand that there may be time sensitivity around your child’s treatment, but we won’t rush decisions. Our team will take careful steps to make sure we have a precise diagnosis and the right plan for your child. If our surgeons decide that your child needs surgery as soon as possible, we’ll get the surgery scheduled right away.
Before Your Visit to the Craniosynostosis and Cranial Reconstruction Center
Once we receive your child’s information, our team will review all medical notes and imaging tests. Your nurse coordinator will schedule your visit with our co-surgeon clinic, allowing you to meet with our plastic surgeon and neurosurgeon at the same time.
If we need other tests or images, your nurse coordinator will work with you to schedule those as well.
On the Day of Your Visit to the Craniosynostosis and Cranial Reconstruction Center
Arriving at Your Appointment
The Craniosynostosis and Cranial Reconstruction Center is located at Cincinnati Children’s Burnet Campus.
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to find parking, walk to the center and register your child for their appointment.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
During the evaluation at our co-surgeon clinic, we’ll examine your child and listen to your questions or concerns. We’ll also talk through your child’s diagnosis in detail and discuss potential treatment options.
In most cases, you’ll leave this appointment with a detailed treatment plan and what to expect for follow-up care and recovery. Your nurse coordinator will make sure all your child’s surgery appointments are scheduled, including pre-surgery blood tests and imaging.
Depending on your child’s age, symptoms and needs, your nurse coordinator also may schedule appointments with different specialists at Cincinnati Children’s, including:
- Neurologists
- Ophthalmologists and neuro-ophthalmologists
- Neuropsychologists or behavioral health experts
- Audiologists
- Geneticists
- Aerodigestive experts
- Ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors
Treatment Planning
In some cases, we may have your child undergo more imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, head ultrasound or 3D laser scan. When possible, we’ll avoid using tests that will expose your child to excess radiation.
We use detailed 3D imaging to confirm a diagnosis and help us plan the best treatment path, which is especially important for open (non-endoscopic) surgery.
After Your Visit to the Craniosynostosis and Cranial Reconstruction Center
Your nurse coordinator will continue to work with you to schedule any necessary follow-up appointments at our center and with other specialists, as well as ensure your child’s recovery is going smoothly. They’ll be available to answer any questions you may have during your child’s recovery.
