Dr. Rao spotlights early diagnosis for pediatric brain disorders

By AI, Created 11:37 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla is urging earlier diagnosis and advanced treatment for children with brain disorders, citing better outcomes from modern pediatric neurosurgery and rehabilitation. The Guntur-based institute says its tools and multidisciplinary care are helping treat conditions from hydrocephalus to brain tumors across South India.

Why it matters: - Pediatric brain disorders can affect long-term movement, learning, behavior and independence. - Early diagnosis and specialized treatment can improve neurological, cognitive and physical outcomes during critical development years. - Families, pediatricians and schools play a key role in spotting warning signs sooner.

What happened: - Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla, founder of Dr. Rao’s International Institute of Neurosciences in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, highlighted the need for early diagnosis and advanced pediatric neurosurgical care. - The message focused on children with epilepsy, hydrocephalus, brain tumors, cerebral palsy, congenital brain malformations and traumatic neurological injuries. - Dr. Rao said children with neurological disorders need early, accurate diagnosis and access to advanced neurosurgical care.

The details: - The World Health Organization identifies neurological disorders as a leading cause of disability in children globally. - Dr. Rao said children’s brains continue developing through infancy and adolescence, which makes specialized treatment approaches essential. - The institute treats hydrocephalus, pediatric epilepsy, brain tumors, Chiari malformations, spinal dysraphism, congenital anomalies and cerebral palsy-related spasticity disorders. - Hydrocephalus care has shifted with Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and minimally invasive neuroendoscopic procedures, reducing dependence on lifelong shunts for some children. - Pediatric epilepsy surgery can help selected children with medically refractory seizures improve seizure control, cognitive development and social functioning. - Dr. Rao said epilepsy surgery should not be treated as a last resort in selected cases. - Pediatric brain tumors require highly precise microsurgical planning because they differ biologically and clinically from adult tumors. - Modern neuronavigation, intraoperative neuro-monitoring, high-definition operating microscopes and minimally invasive skull base approaches support safer tumor resections. - The institute offers high-end MRI imaging, neurocritical care, neuroendoscopy, minimally invasive spine surgery, intraoperative neuro-monitoring and pediatric neurology support. - Post-surgery rehabilitation includes physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and neuropsychological support. - Dr. Rao completed MBBS at Andhra Medical College and neurosurgery training at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad. - He later trained in the U.S. in pediatric neurosurgery, minimally invasive skull base surgery, neuro-oncology, cerebrovascular surgery, endovascular neurosurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery. - The institute says that training has helped bring globally recognized neurosurgical standards and technologies to Andhra Pradesh.

Between the lines: - The push for earlier intervention reflects a broader shift in pediatric neurosurgery toward treating children before symptoms worsen or development is more permanently affected. - The focus on multidisciplinary rehabilitation suggests surgery alone is not enough for many children to recover function and progress developmentally. - The institute is positioning itself as a regional destination for advanced pediatric neuroscience care in South India.

What’s next: - Dr. Rao’s International Institute of Neurosciences says it will continue focusing on innovation, patient-centered care, academic excellence and minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques. - Continued awareness efforts are aimed at helping parents recognize symptoms such as headaches, seizures, poor balance, abnormal head growth, weakness, learning difficulties and vision or behavior changes. - Dr. Rao said parents should seek consultation quickly when neurological symptoms persist.