CentraState - Healthy Directions

Is Your Child at Risk for Concussions? Concussion Awareness "For example, about 75 percent of the time that children ride bicycles, they don't wear a helmet," says Mark R. McLaughlin, MD, board-certified neurosurgeon on staff at CentraState Medical Center and medical director of Princeton Brain and Spine Care. "This is a major reason for head injuries, and it can be completely eliminated by kids wearing a properly fitted helmet every time they ride a bike. W " Elderly people are at risk for concussions, too. Often, their balance isn't as sharp as it once was and their eyes don't react as well to changes in light. "When an older person gets out of bed at night, household hazards can cause a fall and a concussion," Dr. McLaughlin says. "To help prevent this, older people should install night lights, clear hallways of objects they can trip over, and make sure rugs are securely fastened to the floor. " According to Dr. McLaughlin, when a concussion happens, the brain goes into a very excitable state—it is more easily activated and a person becomes more sensitive to light and sound. "Usually, an effective treatment is to let the brain rest and recover in a quiet environment—no television, video games, reading or even deep concentration," Dr. McLaughlin explains. If the concussion is severe or symptoms persist, treatment can include brain imaging and other neurological testing. "A patient is carefully monitored and, as symptoms subside, he or she is allowed to do more activities," Dr. McLaughlin says. "With proper treatment, a fast and full recovery usually occurs." e've become more aware of the problem of concussions in organized sports, but some non- sports activities can place people at equal risk. Join Nirav K. Shah, MD, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus for an update on concussion guidelines, including signs, symptoms and treatment options for parents with children who may be at risk. For more information or to register, visit www.centrastate.com/events. Meet the Docs: Mark McLaughlin and Nirav K. Shah Medical specialty: Neurosurgery Mark McLaughlin, MD Medical school: Medical College of Virginia Residency: University of Pittsburgh Fellowship: Emory University School of Medicine What led you to neurosurgery? Ever since I can remember, I always wanted to become a physician. As a child, I used to follow my grandfather on hospital rounds, and I carried his black bag on house calls. Most people are born in a hospital. I was raised in one. I chose neurosurgery because during my medical school rotations, I noticed that neurosurgical patients were some of the sickest in the hospital. I realized that I could make a big difference in their lives. What has been most rewarding about your practice? I used to be a wrestler, now I'm a coach. Back then when I won a tournament, I earned a medal. Now, my gold medal is walking up to a worried family and telling them that the surgery on their loved one was successful. Comforting and healing people is the greatest feeling. www.centrastate.com Nirav K. Shah, MD Medical school: Jefferson Medical College Residency: University of Maryland What led you to neurosurgery? My interest in neurosurgery and spine surgery was the combination of taking care of patients with complex and demanding neurologic pain disorders in conjunction with using the latest technologies and cutting-edge equipment available. What has been most rewarding about your practice? We're able to take care of patients in an old-fashioned way— holding their hands and taking them through their grief and joy. It's about taking someone who is afflicted and needs our care, but doing it with the care and compassion that every patient deserves. Office: Princeton Brain and Spine 901 West Main Street Freehold Township, NJ 07728 (732) 333-8702 November/December 2012 13 GOT A MINUTE?

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