Q. How might we first recognize a brain/spinal cord problem in our child?
A. You may notice many different symptoms—unusual or unexplained vomiting, for example, or severe headaches. Your child may show signs of emotional disturbance that can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a behavioral disorder.
Q. How serious is a brain or spinal cord injury of disease?
A. There is no minimizing the seriousness of these types of conditions or injuries. Many will require surgery.
Q. Is it going to hurt a lot?
A. Nothing is worse than to see your child suffering—it’s a parent’s worst nightmare. In this technology driven area, what’s special about Rainbow is that we offer the very best technical expertise, with state-of-the-art tools and techniques, but we haven’t forgotten that our first goal is to comfort. We are passionately committed to keeping your child as comfortable as possible, before, during and after procedures.
Q. How will we be able to deal with this?
A. Kids are stronger than you think—they often help their parents. We encourage you and your family to be a vital and important part of the healing process. You may stay with your child on the floor. If you wish, in order to help relieve some of the anxiety, you may also come into the Operating Room while your child receives anesthesia.