What to Expect

• Before your appointment, we review your child’s medical records and imaging tests. This way, we can be ready to talk with you about treatment options.
• When you make your appointment, we will explain which records and images we need. We will handle getting these from your child’s other healthcare providers.
• We may need your child to have new imaging tests. Whenever we can, we schedule tests on or near the same day as your clinic appointment so it’s easier for your family.
• Learn more about what to do before your appointment.

We see children with tumors or other lesions in the middle of the head.

One or more members of the Cranial Base care team will see your child. We will choose your child’s care team based on your child’s condition.

Most children see doctors and surgeons from Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery. Your child might also see doctors and surgeons from other specialties, like these:

• Endocrinology – diagnoses and treats conditions related to hormones and the glands that make them
• Interventional Radiology – diagnoses and treats conditions using imaging, such as ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scan or fluoroscopy
• Ophthalmology and oculoplastics – diagnoses and treats eye conditions
• Vascular Anomalies Program – diagnoses and treats conditions in which tubes that carry blood or lymph around the body do not develop properly

A doctor will talk with you and your child about your child’s health history and do an exam. During the exam, the doctor might use an endoscope, passed through your child’s nose. In most cases, we will go over your child’s imaging studies to explain what we see and what we recommend for your child.

Usually, you and your child stay in the same room as different team members come to you. For part of the visit, you might need to go to another area of the hospital, like the Ophthalmology Clinic.

A clinic visit can be 45 to 90 minutes. It depends on how complex your child’s condition is and how many different doctors you need to see. 

• Clinic notes or reports that we have asked you to bring.
• Your child’s medicines or a list. Include non-prescription items like vitamins. Include name, dose and instructions.
• Your child’s medical equipment.
• Actual X-rays or X-rays on a CD, and reports of blood work and other tests, if we have asked you to bring these.
• Any forms that you need us to sign; for example, any school forms.
• Snacks and comfort items for your child if your appointment runs longer than planned.

The Cranial Base care team will work with you and your child to understand your child’s condition and then explain all the treatment options that are available.

We will make sure you leave the appointment with detailed instructions about what is happening next. We will try to answer all of your questions. We will give you phone numbers to call us if you have questions after you leave.

If your child needs tests, we will give you details about how to get them and when to expect the results.

The next steps depend on your child’s needs. Some children need more imaging. Some need future clinic visits to check their condition over time. Some need surgery or other care. We will make a plan with you at the end of the visit so you know the next steps for your child.

Please call Otolaryngology at 206-987-2105 as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule.

Learn more about preparing your child for a clinic visit. 

• Find your location in our map and directions section.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow time for registration.