Pediatric neurosurgery · scheduled consultation
Brain & Spine Tumors
A calm, careful review of a brain or spine mass, cyst, lesion, surveillance plan, or treatment recommendation.
When consultation may help
Bring the concern into focus.
A scheduled visit brings symptoms, imaging, prior care, and family priorities into one organized conversation.
A cyst, lesion, or changing surveillance scan
↗Symptoms that may need to be connected to imaging
↗A recommendation that needs a pediatric neurosurgical second opinion
↗Help us see the whole story
What to bring when it is available.
Do not delay urgent care to gather records. For a scheduled visit, these materials can make the conversation more useful.
Complete MRI and CT images and reports
Earlier studies for comparison
Pathology, oncology, radiation, and operative records when relevant
A timeline of symptoms, treatment, and functional change
How this concern is approached.
The visit explains what the images show, what remains uncertain, how the finding has changed over time, and which pediatric specialists may need to be involved. Observation, additional testing, biopsy, surgery, and multidisciplinary care are discussed in context.
Questions families ask
A little more clarity.
What does a tumor finding mean?
A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells. Brain and spinal tumors vary widely in their behavior and location. The scan may narrow the possibilities, but the exact diagnosis sometimes requires tissue testing. A suspected tumor is not a complete diagnosis on its own.
Which decisions come first?
The immediate questions are whether the finding is affecting neurologic function or fluid flow, what additional information is needed, and how quickly a decision is required. Treatment planning may involve pediatric neurosurgery, oncology and other specialists.
How can we prepare as a family?
Bring earlier scans, reports and any pathology results. Write down changes in walking, vision, school participation or daily activities. Ask who will coordinate results, who to contact between visits and how the plan will be explained to your child.
How the visit moves
Careful. Clear. Together.
Listen
Review symptoms, timing, prior care, daily impact, and the family’s goals.
Review
Place MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, reports, and records in context.
Explain
Translate the finding and reasonable options into plain language.
Plan
Define monitoring, testing, referral, follow-up, or surgery when appropriate.
The people behind the promise
Clinical focus. Thoughtful systems.
Two complementary roles support a clear, reliable experience for children and families.
Dr. Stacey E. Podkovik
Dr. Podkovik leads the neurosurgical evaluation with a pediatric focus, connecting the child’s story, symptoms, imaging, prior care, and family priorities into a clear next-step plan.
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, supports the practice through physician-led management, care coordination, and reliable systems. Dr. Stacey Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation and treatment.
When symptoms should not wait.
A first seizure, sudden weakness, loss of consciousness, severe confusion, repeated vomiting with marked sleepiness, or rapidly worsening symptoms requires emergency care.
Sources behind this overview
Family education from established health organizations.
These links support the general overview and cannot replace an individualized pediatric evaluation.
Continue exploring
Every pathway, connected.
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This page provides general educational information and does not replace a medical evaluation. Calling the office or using this site does not establish a physician-patient relationship. Iris is a scripted navigation helper and does not diagnose, triage, or provide medical advice.