The Institute for Nerve Medicine is pleased to announce a new medical program designed to minimize risk and to enhance the recovery of young patients.
Successfully treating patients 18 years of age or younger can be a daunting task. Doing so requires specific clinical protocols and safety measures that some medical facilities simply do not possess.
However, the fact remains that many young people suffer from issues related to sports injury, orthopedic injury, and soft tissue nerve damage.
To better serve the widest possible range of patients, including young people, the medical team at INM has created new pediatric protocols in association with Image Based Surgicenter of Santa Monica.
With many adult patients we see soft-tissue injuries that have developed into chronic, long-term pain. But with young patients, they are more often seen as traumatic injuries. The sooner we identify the nerve damage and correct the problem, the higher the likelihood the young patient will avoid long-term or even permanent nerve loss.
It doesn’t matter what the injury; from pelvic pain to pudendal nerve injury or even piriformis bi-lateral pain — speed to diagnosis and treatment is key for the young patient.
IBSC is a fully accredited surgery center with an open-MRI operating environment.
In our joint program with Image Based Surgicenter, the INM team employs that facility’s specially designed, MRI-equipped surgical suite. Our physicians use real-time optical guidance for the highest level of accuracy — and a complete avoidance of exposure to dangerous X-ray radiation — something of particular importance when the health of children is considered.
MRI guidance also allows our physicians to see the injectate disperse, ensuring it has reached the targeted injury site. The young patient is able to avoid scar tissue build-up and possible complications that plague older patients who have undergone numerous CT and X-ray-based injections.
In addition to peripheral nerve conditions, INM is pleased to report that our young-patient protocols have been successful in the treatment of even routine pediatric injuries. Whether it is a broken wrist from skateboarding or a fractured ankle from a zip-lining adventure, we have developed unique imaging, diagnostic, and treatment methods that will help your son or daughter move on from their injury to a happy, pain-free life.
Here is a small sampling of our clinical amenities and pediatric measures that contribute to successful outcomes:
- The parent or guardian may accompany the child in all areas of our facility
- We require IV sedation and use a pediatric anesthesiologist
- Exception: if the child is over 14 years of age and or has injection/block experience, we will at the parent’s request use local anesthetic only
- Exception: due to medication anxiety, religious beliefs and concerns over unconsciousness itself, we will make exceptions for the IV sedation requirement
- Medications are based on child size and weight
- All blood pressure cuffs and monitoring are pediatric sized
- The child is observed with parent after procedure until fully awake and ready to leave
- Complete discharge instructions are provided
- Follow up advisory is complimentary
Successful treatment means starting immediately after injury. And when timing is everything, finding the right medical practice should not be grounds for delay. The Institute for Nerve Medicine in Santa Monica has the right combination of training and practical expertise, and our physicians have been successfully treating young patients for the last five years.
Pediatric patients are invited to read about a young patient who has seen success following a sports injury. Parents are also welcome to call our clinical office at 310-314-6410 (or email us at contact@nervemed.com) to learn more about how we can help.
