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Neurology and Neurosurgery

Pediatric Neurosurgery

Hope, Expertise and Compassionate Care for Children and Families

If your child is facing a complex or serious neurological condition that requires surgery, expertise matters. Our pediatric neurosurgery program is one of the top multi-specialty centers of its kind, with vast experience, skill and advanced treatments that offer hope to children and families. 

Appointments & Referrals

Medical concierge services are available for patients traveling for care:
For patients residing outside of Maryland: 410-498-7522
For patients residing outside the U.S.: 1-410-502-7683

Call us

To request an appointment or refer a patient, please call 410-955-7337.

Upload Images

Before your appointment, you can use this link to upload recent X-ray, CT or MRI images if you have them.

Now Recruiting Research Study: Erythropoietin and Melatonin for Very Preterm Infants with Intraventricular Hemorrhage

The goal of this research study is to see if high doses of melatonin and erythropoietin (EPO) are safely tolerated by preterm babies born before 32 weeks gestation with severe brain bleeds.

Learn more about the study

Why Choose Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neurosurgery

Compassionate Care

Your child's team includes world-class experts who have dedicated their careers to caring for children with challenging neurological conditions.

Healing Environment

The Johns Hopkins Children's Center offers modern technologies and a comforting environment to stimulate healing and help kids be kids despite illness.

Clinical Trials and Advanced Treatments

Our experts help you navigate your child's treatment options and recommend the most beneficial therapies and clinical trials.

Nationally Ranked in Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center is nationally ranked in pediatric neurology & neurosurgery on the 2024–2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals list.

Overall, the Children’s Center ranks #1 in Maryland, and all 11 specialties are nationally ranked.

Read more
Two sisters posed together outside


Declan's Story | Pediatric Brain Tumor

Five-year-old Declan had an MRI to monitor a growth hormone deficiency. Afterward, his parents got shocking news: The scan showed Declan had a large craniopharyngioma brain tumor. The family found themselves at Johns Hopkins, where Declan had brain surgery the next day.

More Patient Stories
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Medical PublicationBrain Tumors in Children: A Review By Dr. Alan Cohen

Brain tumors are the leading causes of cancer-related death among children. In this article from The New England Journal of Medicine, pediatric neurosurgeon Alan Cohen reviews recent changes in the classification and treatment of pediatric brain tumors.

Read this publication in the NEJM
Dr. Cohen in the lobby of the Children's Center

Pediatric Neurosurgery Care Locations

When you schedule your child's consultation, you will meet with one of our neurosurgeons at the Levi Watkins, Jr, MD, Outpatient Center. If surgery is needed, it will be performed in a state-of-the-art operating unit in the Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

Research and Clinical Trials

Clinical trials give patients and families the opportunity to explore newer therapies. Learn more about current studies for neurological conditions like hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis, achondroplasia, epilepsy, spina bifida, nervous system tumors and more.

View open clinical trials

Education and TrainingPediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship

The Johns Hopkins Carson-Spiro fellowship is a one-year program that offers fellows a broad experience with a variety of pediatric conditions and neurosurgical techniques. Our fellowship alumni go on to become leaders in pediatric neurosurgery nationwide and worldwide. 

About the Fellowship
Neurosurgeons operating a surgical robot

Hear From Our Experts

Cerebral Palsy: Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Procedure | Dr. Dody Robinson

Watch on YouTube -

Pediatric Brain Tumors | Dr. Al Cohen

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Craniosynostosis | Dr. Eric Jackson

Watch on YouTube -

Support Groups and Patient Resources

Pediatric Adolescent Support Group

This Johns Hopkins support group provides activities and peer support for children age 12 to 21. The group meets the third Thursday of each month. For more information, contact the social worker at 410-955-8754.

Pediatric Oncology Parent Support Group

This support group at Johns Hopkins helps parents of pediatric oncology patients. Evening meetings are held monthly or as needed. For more information, contact the social worker at 410-955-8125.

The National Children's Cancer Society (NCCS)

The NCCS Family Support Program pairs families with a trained case manager to help provide practical and emotional support. Learn more from the NCCS.

Craniosynostosis and Positional Plagiocephaly Support (CAPPS)

CAPPS supports and educates families with children who have craniosynostosis and positional plagiocephaly. Learn more about CAPPS.