NJPNI: January 2024 Newsletter - The Brain Wave!
NJPNI: January 2024 Newsletter - The Brain Wave! - https://mailchi.mp/njpni/january-2023
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Daily Routines
Small moments, big impact! Share how mindfulness brightens your family's daily routines. Let's create a ripple of calm together!Β πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈπŸ‘ΆΒ #MindfulFamiliesΒ #NeuroJoy
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Neurocognitive Exam
Empowering minds at NJPNI! 🧠✨ We offer neuro-cognitive exams to assess attention, executive function, and more – specializing in ADHD testing for personalized insights.Β #ADHDAwarenessΒ #MindfulAssessmentΒ #PrivatePractice
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13th Annual Craniofacial Gala!
Join us for a night of hope and transformation at our 13th Annual Craniofacial Gala! ✨ Embrace the magic as we come together to support those with craniofacial conditions. Your attendance makes a difference in every smile we create. Save the date, share the joy! #CraniofacialGala #HopeInEverySmile #TransformingLives https://www.eventbrite.com/.../13th-annual-nj...
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Happy New Year
Embracing the new year with open hearts and positive vibes at NJPNI! 🌟 Wishing you all a year filled with joy, growth, and good health. Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities! πŸŽ‰βœ¨ #HappyNewYear #CheersTo2024
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Leading the Way in Pediatric Dystonia Care for Children with Movement Disorders
Navigating the world of pediatric movement disorders can be challenging for families and caregivers. One such disorder, pediatric dystonia, presents unique challenges due to its impact on a child's movement and quality of life. In this post, we'll explore what pediatric dystonia is, how it's treated, the beneficial exercises for children with this condition, and spotlight the New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute as a leading center for dystonia treatment.

What is Pediatric Dystonia?

Pediatric dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, causing repetitive movements or abnormal postures. These movements can range from mild to severely disabling, affecting not just physical capabilities but also impacting emotional and social development. Dystonia in children can be an isolated condition or part of a broader syndrome, and its causes are varied, including genetic mutations, brain injury, or unknown factors.

How Do You Treat Dystonia in Children?

Treatment for pediatric dystonia is multifaceted. It often involves a combination of medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Each child's treatment plan is as unique as their symptoms, tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Approaches may include:
  • Medications: These can help manage symptoms, but their effectiveness varies.
  • Botulinum toxin injections: Used to relieve muscle spasms in specific areas.
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): For severe cases, DBS can be effective, especially in children with genetic forms of dystonia.
  • Physical therapy: Essential for maintaining and improving motor skills and functional abilities.
Each child's treatment plan is unique and may involve a combination of these therapies. Read more with us: Managing Pediatric Movement Disorders: Medications and Deep Brain Stimulation

What Exercises Are Good for Pediatric Dystonia?

Exercise plays a crucial role in managing pediatric dystonia. It helps in maintaining flexibility, strength, and coordination and can significantly improve motor skills and reduce discomfort. These exercises should be guided by a professional to ensure they are safe and effective. Some beneficial exercises include:
  • Stretching: To improve muscle flexibility and reduce stiffness.
  • Strength training: Focused on core muscles to improve posture and balance.
  • Aerobic exercises: Such as swimming or cycling, which are easier on the joints and can improve overall fitness.
It's important to work with a physical therapist to design an exercise program that's safe and effective for each child's specific needs.

The Best Treatment Center for Dystonia

The New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute stands out as a premier center for the treatment of pediatric movement disorders, including dystonia. At NJPNI, a multidisciplinary team of experts, including neurologists, surgeons, therapists, and nurses, work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. They offer cutting-edge treatments like DBS and are involved in ongoing research to advance the understanding and treatment of pediatric dystonia.

Conclusion

Pediatric dystonia is a complex condition, but with the right treatment and support, children affected by it can lead fulfilling lives. The key is early diagnosis, a comprehensive treatment plan, and ongoing support. Centers like the New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute are at the forefront of providing such specialized care, giving hope and assistance to families navigating this challenging condition.
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Medulla Oblongata
Say hello to the Medulla Oblongata! 🧠 This brain region quietly handles the essentials - heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. The unsung hero of autopilot mode. #NeuroTrivia #MedullaMatters
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Understanding 9 Advantages of Early Treatment in Pediatric Hydrocephalus
Pediatric hydrocephalus, a complex neurological condition, affects infants and young children, leading to an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. This condition, if not treated timely, can have profound impacts on a child's development and overall health. In this blog post, we delve into the importance of early intervention and treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus, exploring its multiple benefits and why choosing a specialized institute like the New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute is crucial for the best care.

What is the First-Line Treatment for Pediatric Hydrocephalus?

The first-line treatment for pediatric hydrocephalus typically involves surgical intervention. This may include the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to divert excess fluid from the brain to another part of the body where it can be absorbed, or an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) which creates a new pathway for fluid drainage.

9 Advantages of Early Treatment in Pediatric Hydrocephalus

1. Prevention of Complications

Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with hydrocephalus, such as increased intracranial pressure, which can lead to brain damage and other serious health issues.

2. Minimization of Brain Damage

Prompt treatment prevents prolonged pressure on the brain, thereby minimizing potential brain damage and preserving cognitive functions.

3. Improved Cognitive Development

Early treatment allows for more normal brain development, which is crucial for cognitive abilities like learning, memory, and problem-solving.

4. Enhanced Motor Function

By reducing pressure on the brain early, children are less likely to experience motor deficits, leading to better control of movement and coordination.

5. Prevention of Neurological Deficits

Timely intervention can prevent or reduce neurological deficits, such as vision problems, seizures, and difficulties in coordination and balance.

6. Reduced Risk of Infections

Early surgical intervention, particularly with shunt placements, can decrease the risk of shunt infections, a common complication in delayed treatments.

7. Improved Quality of Life

With early treatment, children with hydrocephalus can enjoy a higher quality of life, experiencing fewer health-related restrictions and better overall well-being.

8. Prevention of Behavioral Issues

There's a correlation between untreated hydrocephalus and behavioral issues. Early treatment can mitigate these risks, leading to more stable emotional and behavioral development.

9. Lower Healthcare Costs

Early, effective intervention can reduce the need for more complex and costly medical treatments in the future, thus lowering the overall healthcare burden.

Selecting New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute: A Premier Choice for Pediatric Hydrocephalus Care

Choosing a specialized care center like the New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute is critical. This institute offers state-of-the-art facilities, experienced neurosurgeons, and a multidisciplinary team approach to ensure comprehensive care for children with hydrocephalus. Their focus on innovative treatments and family-centered care makes them a leader in pediatric neurology.

Conclusion

Understanding the advantages of early treatment in pediatric hydrocephalus is crucial for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. It's not just about managing a condition but about offering a child the best possible start in life. With the right care and timely intervention, children with hydrocephalus can lead fulfilling lives, overcoming the challenges posed by this condition.
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NJPNI: December 2023 Newsletter - The Brain Wave - More News!
NJPNI: December 2023 Newsletter - The Brain Wave - More News! - https://mailchi.mp/njpni/december-2023-more-news
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Sleepwalking Facts
Sleepwalking, impacting around 4% of adults, is a unique phenomenon where individuals engage in complex activities while asleep, only to wake with no memory of the events. This intriguing behavior occurs during non-REM sleep, a phase when the body is at rest, yet the brain remains active. Though the causes are not fully understood, factors like genetics, sleep deprivation, and specific medications may play a role in these nocturnal adventures.Β πŸŒ™πŸ’€Β #SleepwalkingFactsΒ #NocturnalMysteriesΒ #SleepScience
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Caring for your child's well-being is our number one priority. 
Schedule an appointment with a world-class pediatric neurology and neurosurgery team at NJPNI now.
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NOTICE: This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for a patient/physician relationship.

NJPNI is committed to creating a culturally diverse, inclusive and collaborative community for patients and their families, employees and associates where each person is celebrated and has a sense of equal belonging. See our DEI Statement Page for more information.

NJPNI does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, or on the basis of disability or age in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits of any of its programs and activities or in employment therein. This statement is in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued pursuant to the Acts, Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations part 80, 84, and 91.

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