Meet Isabella, Our Amazing 6-Year-Old Artist

Isabella is a bright, creative 6-year-old with a love for art. Her journey to Long Island Neurosurgical Associates (LINA) began at age 5, when she had her first seizure. An MRI performed at another center was initially thought to show a cortical dysplasia, a type of brain malformation that can cause seizures.

A Second Opinion That Made All the Difference

When Isabella’s family came to Dr. Shaun D. Rodgers for a second opinion, he carefully reviewed her imaging and grew suspicious that the lesion causing her seizures wasn’t a cortical dysplasia at all, but a tumor. This kind of careful, second-look review can make a meaningful difference in a child’s diagnosis and treatment plan, especially when the underlying cause of seizures isn’t yet clear.

Confirming the Diagnosis with Specialized Imaging

To investigate further, Dr. Rodgers obtained additional specialized imaging. The results were even more suggestive that the lesion was in fact a tumor, giving the team the clarity needed to plan the right surgical approach for Isabella.

A Minimally Invasive Gross Total Resection

Isabella underwent a minimally invasive gross total resection with Dr. Rodgers, successfully removing the entire lesion through a minimally invasive approach. Pathology confirmed that it was a low-grade brain tumor, and most importantly, it was completely removed.

Seizure-Free and Back to Doing What She Loves

Today, Isabella is seizure-free. She spent her summer having fun with friends and is back to doing what she loves most, including making artwork for Dr. Rodgers.

Why Isabella’s Story Matters

Isabella’s journey is a reminder of how important a thorough second opinion can be. What was first thought to be a cortical dysplasia turned out to be a treatable low-grade tumor, a distinction that shaped her entire course of care and, ultimately, her path to being seizure-free.

Is a Second Opinion Right for You or Your Child?

Not every diagnosis tells the whole story. When a child’s seizures are linked to a brain lesion, careful review of imaging, and additional specialized imaging when needed, can be the difference between an incomplete picture and an accurate one. Our team at Long Island Neurosurgical Associates can help you understand whether a second opinion or further evaluation is the right next step. Learn more about our approach to pediatric brain, skull, spinal cord, and spine tumors, or read more patient stories from our team.

Schedule a Consultation in New York

To learn more about pediatric brain tumor evaluation and treatment, contact Long Island Neurosurgical Associates to schedule an evaluation with our neurosurgery team.

Patient story and photos shared with permission.