Finding out that your child has a neurological condition can be overwhelming and scary. It’s normal to feel uncertain in situations like these and question what the best possible care for your child would be. An additional resource families can look into is getting a second opinion to help decide and think through all the treatment options. The great thing about second opinions is that families are not required to transfer their child’s care from their current physician.
Children’s Minnesota is home to the largest team of pediatric neurosurgeons in the region and has the only Level I pediatric trauma care center and Level 4 pediatric epilepsy center dedicated solely to kids in Minnesota. Our specialized pediatric neurosurgical team is ready to help families looking for a second opinion on their child’s diagnosis.
Why seek a second opinion?
Seeking a second opinion can provide reassurance about your child’s diagnosis and treatment plan. It can help confirm the diagnosis, explore alternative treatment options and offer peace of mind. Here are some reasons why families might consider getting another doctor’s perspective:
- Confirmation of diagnosis. Neurological conditions can be complex, and a second opinion can help ensure the diagnosis is accurate.
- Explore treatment options. Different surgeons may recommend different treatments. A second opinion can help you find the most effective and least invasive options to relieve symptoms.
- Feeling uncertain. It’s normal to feel uncertain about a diagnosis, especially if it involves surgery. It’s ok to seek a second opinion for clarity.
- Complex or rare conditions. If your child has a complicated or rare neurological condition, a specialist’s second opinion can be invaluable. They may have more information and different treatment plans.
When to seek a second opinion
There is no right or wrong time to seek a second opinion, but it can be particularly helpful in the following situations:
- After a new diagnosis. If your child has been diagnosed with a serious or complex condition, a second opinion can provide an additional perspective to help your family make an informed decision. This is especially relevant for conditions like brain tumors, epilepsy or rare neurological conditions.
- Before a major surgery. If your child’s treatment plan includes invasive or life-changing surgery, a second opinion can confirm the necessity of the surgery and reassure you that you’re making the right decision. Consider this for surgeries involving brain tumors or spinal cord injuries.
- When you have questions. If you have unanswered questions or need more information, a second opinion from a specialist can be beneficial. Your current provider can help refer you to a specialist.
- If the treatment isn’t working. If the current treatment plan isn’t providing the expected results, a second opinion can offer new perspectives and treatment approaches. For example, epilepsy patients that have tried two or more medications and are still having regular seizures might want to consider getting a second opinion at a Level 4 pediatric epilepsy care center like the one at Children’s Minnesota. Here, patients can typically get assessed for surgery – which can be an effective treatment option to make a child seizure free.
Getting a second opinion from the Children’s Minnesota neurosurgery team
Getting a second opinion from our team of experts has never been easier with our online form. However, before filling out the form, below are a few things we recommend families prepare or do.
- Talk to your current doctor. It is up to you and your family if you want to tell your current doctor, but most providers are supportive of their patients getting a second opinion.
- Gather your child’s medical records. If you don’t already have your child’s medical records on hand, consider putting in a request with your child’s care team before or right after filling out the second opinion form.
- Prepare a list of questions. Start preparing a list of questions for your second opinion appointment to ensure that you don’t forget anything and get all the answers you need.
For more information about requesting a second opinion from our neurosurgical team, head to our website. We look forward to partnering with you on your child’s care.
