Nehal Parikh

About Nehal Parikh

The principal focus of my translational and clinical research is to prevent neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) in high-risk newborns. My Center does this by developing and employing novel advanced imaging tools (e.g, diffusion MRI, functional MRI) for early detection of brain abnormalities and prediction of NDD. These intermediate steps are then utilized to improve risk stratification around NICU discharge and perform randomized trials of neuroprotective interventions. Increased survival of extremely preterm infants has contributed to a higher prevalence of survivors with motor, cognitive, executive function, and behavioral/psychiatric abnormalities. Accurate diagnosis of these abnormalities takes at least 2 to 5 years. These early years are when the brain is most active in building its wiring system and optimally receptive to change and healing. Thus, by enabling early prediction/diagnosis, we are able to take advantage of the infant brain\'s exquisite neuroplasticity and supercharge known and even novel early intervention therapies in the first months to years after birth.Facilitated by ongoing funding from NIH (R01-NS094200, R01-NS096037, etc.), we are fortunate to have formed excellent collaborative relationships with several leaders within the Cincinnati Children\'s community. We have conducted one of the largest quantitative MRI longitudinal cohort study of 395 very preterm infants, recruited from the Greater Cincinnati area. The major goals of this cohort study, called the Cincinnati Infant Neurodevelopment Early Prediction Study (CINEPS), are to 1) understand the risk factors and pathophysiology of the commonly encountered diffuse white matter abnormality; 2) develop prognostic models at birth of later cognitive and behavioral abnormalities; and 3) facilitate personalized prediction of cerebral palsy. These important steps have enabled early risk stratification and personalized targeted design of clinical trials of neuroprotective interventions during the critical window of the first 3 years after birth when brain malleability is at its peak. For more information, visit:

Experience

1. Director, Neuro Nicu

   Cincinnati Children's

   Nov 2021 — Present · Cincinnati, OH, US

   Lead a group of dedicated faculty, post-doctoral fellows, allied health professionals, NNPs, and RNs to enhance neonatal clinical care to diagnose, treat, and prevent neurodevelopmental disorders in high-risk newborns (e.g, premature births).

Education

• The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

  M.S. Clinical Research, Clinical Research

  2002 — 2007

• New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT

  D.O., Medicine

  1992 — 1996

Skills

• Healthcare Information Technology
• Clinical Research
• Electronic Medical Record (Emr)
• Pediatrics
• Clinical Trials
• Healthcare
• Board Certified
• Medical Research
• Medicine
• Public Health
• Neonatology
• Healthcare Information Technology (Hit)
• Medical Education
• Internal Medicine
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Advanced Mri
• Epidemiology