Concussion Discussion

Dr. Catherine Mazzola will be presenting a discussion on the topic of Concussions at the Wyckoff YMCA on September 18, 2012 at 6:30 PM.  The public is welcome to attend this important discussion.

The Spina Bifida Resource Network

The Spina Bifida Resource Network is an organization for patients, parents and families of children and adults who have been diagnosed with spina bifida.  I have tried to educate patients with this diagnosis about the various types of spina bifida. Please read the information available on the Spina Bifida Resource Network pages, our Spina Bifida of NJ Facebook page, and information I have about spina bifida on our website's glossary of terms.

More information can be found at their website: http://www.thesbrn.org/
You can join the discussion about Spina Bifida on Facebook

If you have ANY questions about spina bifida, shunts or hydrocephalus, please call our office to make an appointment to see one of our doctors or nurses or physician assistants.  We have neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthotists and physical therapists who may be able to answer your questions and give you the guidance and support that you need.

For Craniosynostosis Timing and Type is Key

Craniosynostosis describes the premature fusion of sutures on a baby’s head. An infant or young baby’s skull is made of several bony plates which fuse along the suture lines by the time a child is 2 or 3 years old. Premature closing of a suture can cause the child to have an abnormally shaped head.

In mild cases, the brain will develop and function normally. However, in more severe cases, the premature fusion of the sutures can cause swelling, blindness, seizures and other complications. Fortunately, surgery for craniosynostosis has been effective and successful in relieving pressure, ensuring there is room for the brain to grow and improving the appearance of the head.

In a traditional surgery, incisions are made in the infant’s scalp and cranial bones. Then the affected area of the skull is reshaped, sometimes with plates and screws which may be absorbable. Immediate results are observed. Less invasive surgery is possible when the infant is less than 6 months old. Two small incisions are made and the sutures are separated. This approach allows the growing brain to shape the head normally, on its own. However, infants will also need a custom-made helmet to help with the shape and healing of the skull.

Types of Craniosynostosis:

·         Sagittal synostosis (scaphocephaly), the most common, affects the main suture on the top of the head. This allows for the head to grow long and narrow. It is more common in boys.

·         Frontal plagiocephaly, the next most common type, affects the suture that runs from ear to ear on the top of the head. It is more common in girls.

·         Metopic synostosis is a rare and affects the suture close to the forehead.

A misshapen head may not mean craniosynostosis. For example, a flat head may mean the baby is laid to sleep in the same position. See Plagiocephaly in the glossary of terms.

Board, A.D.A.M. Editorial. "Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors." Craniosynostosis.U.S.            National Library of Medicine, 18 Nov. 0000. Web. 14 June 2012.           <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002557/>.

"Craniosynostosis." Craniosynostosis. University Health System, n.d. Web. 14 June 2012.             <http://www.craniosynostosis.net/>.

"Craniosynostosis." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 29 Sept. 2011. Web. 14 June 2012.             <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/craniosynostosis/DS00959/METHOD=print>.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Craniosynostosis Video." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical           Education and Research, 15 Jan. 2011. Web. 14 June 2012. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ craniosynostosis/MM00605>.

Pop Warner

Pop Warner, the nation’s largest youth football organization, announced changes this week, that will affect how young football players practice.   The changes that are being instituted will limit the amount of head-on collisions and other full force contact allowed in practice. Pediatric neurosurgeons certainly have been aware of the potentially lethal injuries that can occur while playing football. While these injuries are thankfully VERY uncommon, mild traumatic brain injury or mild TBI occurs often.  Children with TBI suffer from concussion symptoms. Concussion symptoms vary tremendously from child to child.  The signs of concussion and mild TBI range from headache, neck pain, ringing in the ears, nausea, fatigue, to more subtle changes such as a change in sleep habits, changes in school or cognitive performance, behavioral changes or increased emotional responses, such as anger.  I think that with increased education and training, we will be better able to prevent and diagnose mild TBI and concussions in our young athletes.  You can learn more about concussions at www.njconcussioncenter.com or www.njpediatricneurosurgery.com.

NFL Players sue for head trama

Take a look at this CNN Report

Concussion crisis growing in girls' soccer

Check out this report by MSNBC on "Concussion crisis growing in girls' soccer"

PICU at Morristown Hospital

CONGRATULATIONS to the whold PICU team! Check out this article published in Advance for Nurses, April 23, 2012, on Pages 10-11.


PICU Patient- and Family-Centered Care keeps critically ill children safe and families informed at Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Morristown, NJ By Rose Quinn Photos by John Ciuppa Partners