Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine

Overview

Welcome to the Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine, where we offer comprehensive surgical management for congenital disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system for both adult and pediatric patients. Our dedicated team is committed to providing the highest level of care for your neurologic condition throughout your life.

At our center, our expert team focuses on relieving pain, restoring function, and implementing effective treatments for a wide range of neurologic conditions affecting the spine and spinal cord. Our goal is to address your symptoms, correct the form and function of brain and spine structures, maximize cognitive and motor function, and prevent the development of neurological deficits that may arise with growth and aging. We are your lifelong partners in health and your team for life.

Located at RIH and Hasbro, our center is staffed by esteemed pediatric and adult neurosurgeons specializing in neurosurgical congenital conditions. Our fully equipped pediatric and adult ICUs ensure the best care for every patient.

To provide the best possible care based on our unique expertise, our team convenes a board meeting each Friday to reach consensus and discuss patient diagnoses, cases, and surgical planning. We also stay up-to-date with the latest developments in neurosurgery and integrate our research findings and studies into clinical care.

Our approach at the Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine is truly multidisciplinary. Our team includes orthopedic and general surgeons, neurologists, pain management specialists, and palliative care providers, all working collaboratively to address your individual needs.

For more information about our center and the services we offer, please visit our websites at Hasbro and Lifespan.

Thank you for considering the Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine. We look forward to providing you with exceptional care and support throughout your journey to better health.

Specialty Team

Directors

Petra Klinge, MD, PhD

Professor of Neurosurgery, Director, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Division Director, Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine
Konstantina A. Svokos, DO, MS

Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, Director of Fetal Neurosurgery, Co-Director, Neuroplastics, Co-Director, Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine, Pediatric Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgery Team

Patricia Leigh Zadnik Sullivan, MD

Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Director, Center for Spine Tumor & Chordoma Research, Member, Legoretta Cancer Center
Maria Guglielmo, MD

Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Director, Neurosurgery at Kent Hospital, Director, Neurosurgery Pain Program

Conditions We Treat

Hydrocephalus
Craniofacial anomalies
Aqueductal Stenosis
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Chiari Malformation
Dandy Walker Malformation
Arachnoid Cysts
Tethered Cord Syndrome
Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome
Spina Bifida
Diastomyelia
Syringomyelia
Hydromyelia
Syringobulbia
Cranio-cervical Instability
Meningocele
Open Myelomeningocele
Fetal Myelomeningocele
Fetal Hydrocephalus
Lipomyelomeningocele
Encephalocele
Fatty Filum Terminale
Spinal Cord Lipomas
Low Lying Conus
Dermal Sinus
Congenital Vertebral Anomalies

Research

Our ongoing research projects are aimed at advancing the field of neurosurgery and improving patient outcomes. For more information on our research initiatives, please visit the Brown University website.

Chiari and cognition

New biomarkers for hydrocephalus and CSF disorders

Novel research in tethered cord syndrome

CSF Disorders Laboratory