NICU consultants and support staff

The neurologist might order a head ultrasound, electroencephalogram (EEG), CT Scan, or MRI scan to help identify the cause of the problem. If the infant has an abnormality in the brain or spinal cord that requires surgery, they might work with a neurosurgeon.

text continues below

NEUROSURGEON

A neurosurgeon is a physician trained as a surgeon with highly specialized experience to operate on abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord. These abnormalities might be due to abnormal development prior to birth, such as spina bifida or from complications that happen after birth, such as a skull fracture or hydrocephalus. In addition to the neonatologist, the neurosurgeon might work closely with the neurologist for the management of certain conditions.

OBSTETRICIAN

An obstetrician is a physician with special training in the prenatal care and delivery of women who are pregnant. They may also assist women who are trying to get pregnant. As well as caring for the normal pregnancy, the obstetrician might follow women with such problems as diabetes or decreased fetal growth. They might consult with the perinatologist or the neonatologist.

OPHTHALMOLOGIST

An ophthalmologist is a physician with special training in evaluating and treating eye problems. They might be asked to see a baby in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for birth defects of the eye.

They evaluate premature infants for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). They perform examinations of the inside of the eye, called retinal exams. These exams are very similar to what older children and adults get in an ophthalmologist's office when being evaluated for glasses. For certain conditions of severe ROP, they might perform laser surgery or other corrective surgery on the eyes.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

An orthopedic surgeon is a physician with special training in the evaluation and treatment of conditions involving bones. They might be asked to see babies who have birth defects of the arms or legs, hip dislocation (dysplasia), or fractures of the bones. To evaluate the bones, orthopedic surgeons might order ultrasounds or x-rays. If needed, they can perform surgery or place casts.

OSTOMY NURSE

An ostomy nurse is a nurse with special training in the care of skin wounds and ostomies. An ostomy is an opening in the abdomen through which the end of the intestine or the collecting system of the kidney protrudes. Ostomies are the result of surgery needed to treat many intestinal problems, such as necrotizing enterocolitis. In some cases, ostomy nurses are consulted to help with the care of complicated wounds.