A child experiencing brain tumour symptoms should be thoroughly evaluated by a pediatrician or pediatric neurologist, or in the emergency room to find the source of the problem.
The doctor’s evaluation usually includes imaging of the brain by an MRI scan. If the scan shows a brain tumour, the next step is a neurosurgical consultation. The pediatric neurosurgeon will work with the whole family to develop the best treatment plan for the child.
Other specialists may join the child’s treatment team, such as a pediatric oncologist (childhood cancer specialist), an ophthalmologist (if the child’s tumour affects the vision pathways), an epileptologist (to address seizures), a radiation oncologist, and advanced practitioners and technologists.