Dr. Ian Michael Heger, MD

Dr. Ian Heger was my daughter’s neurosurgeon from the moment she was born. My daughter arrived at 29 weeks gestation with multiple complex medical conditions, and Dr. Heger became involved immediately as we began managing her hydrocephalus and shunt system. While in the NICU, my daughter developed meningitis, which resulted in loculated hydrocephalus, a rare and highly complicated condition. Evelynn is now four years old and has undergone 28 brain surgeries, six of which occurred within a two-month period at Medical City Dallas. In my experience, Dr. Heger was not the appropriate neurosurgeon for a child with hydrocephalus this complex. He consistently failed to listen to parental concerns and refused to step back when it was clear that my daughter’s condition was worsening. At one point, Evelynn spent four days admitted to the pediatric floor at Medical City Dallas with a major shunt failure, despite my repeated concerns that something was seriously wrong. Only after significant… delay was imaging ordered, which confirmed that her shunt was not functioning properly. She was taken back for surgery. Shortly after that procedure, my daughter became completely unresponsive and bradycardic. I was informed that her brain was swelling uncontrollably and that she required emergency surgery to place two EVDs in order to keep her alive. No clear explanation was given as to why this occurred. Evelynn remained in the PICU at Medical City Dallas for two months, during which she endured extreme pain and decline. She lost weight, could not heal from surgeries, experienced multiple CSF leaks, and underwent procedures that, in my opinion, should never have happened. During this time, she developed multiple infections, including meningitis again. She endured six additional surgeries and a full week of intubation described as being for “healing purposes.” After two months, we were discharged home. Four days later, I contacted Dr. Heger’s office because I knew something was wrong with her shunt. I was told by the on-call physician that Dr. Heger could do nothing further and was advised to take her to Children’s Medical Center. That advice saved my daughter. From the moment we arrived at Children’s, Dr. Dale Swift and his entire team did what Dr. Heger never did: they listened. A full multidisciplinary team met to truly understand my daughter’s brain and to create a plan to treat her loculated hydrocephalus in a way that would stop the endless cycle of surgeries and regression. Every concern I raised was taken seriously. Physician assistants were present, communicating with me directly, placing orders promptly, and ensuring both my daughter’s comfort and my involvement in her care. I will never allow Dr. Ian Heger. or anyone at Medical City Dallas Neurosurgery…to treat my child again. Because trust me Socco, is no better. One moment in particular will stay with me forever. When Evelynn’s brain swelling spiraled out of control, it was a Friday night. I was hysterical, crying, gagging, and terrified. After his team delivered the devastating news, Dr. Heger walked into the room and said, “Well, I was planning on going out drinking tonight. Guess that’s not happening.” That comment alone speaks volumes. Dr. Heger did not fix my daughter. He was not the doctor she needed. Because of his inability to step back and acknowledge the limits of his care, my child endured years of unnecessary suffering and surgeries. If you are the parent of a medically complex child especially one with hydrocephalus or additional needs. I strongly urge you to seek care at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas instead. My daughter is happy and healthy now due to the care at another hospital and from another team. 28 brain surgeries in four years. 22 under the care of Dr. Ian Heger. Loss of more cognitive ability. And countless tears cried. 10/10 do not recommend. Dr. Heger, I hope you reflect deeply on the harm caused under your care and learn when to step aside

We love him!

Dr. Heger is caring and knowledgeable. He was great at explaining our child's condition in a manner that we could understand.