‘The hardest thing I’ve had to overcome in my life’
A mother who gave birth hours before falling into an [...]
The role of Arts Therapies in young people with Autism
For young people with an autism spectrum condition, the arts therapies (music therapy, art therapy and dramatherapy) can play a significant role in enabling them to express themselves. Music therapist Lucy Collings Pettit at Chroma examines its impact
In the earlier years, arts therapists will often focus on working with the core characteristics of the child’s condition, for example social communication, interaction and imagination. This can involve group therapy input in the school setting, with this type of intervention encouraging important social skills such as turn-taking, sharing, waiting and listening, and positive peer relationships. In working on an individual basis, an arts therapist will typically focus on a child’s non-verbal communication; this might involve intensive interaction and play-based interactions.
In memory of Ann – the fundraising that could help so many others
A dedicated daughter is attempting a three-peak challenge in memory [...]
Problems in thinking and attention linked to COVID-19 infection
UK researchers have found further evidence of the ongoing mental impacts of COVID-19 in people who have recovered from the disease.
In a study involving more than 80,000 people, researchers found that those with more severe COVID-19 symptoms scored lower in an a series of online tests, with performance on reasoning and problem-solving tasks being most affected. Further analysis showed that those who received mechanical ventilation to help them breathe whilst in hospital had the greatest impairment on cognitive tasks. According to the team, the findings further highlight how COVID-19 infection can have lasting, and measurable, impacts on people’s brain function.
Breakthrough in understanding blood clots in brain following COVID-19 vaccine
A new study of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) following COVID-19 vaccination has given a clearer guide for clinicians trying to diagnose and treat patients.
The research, from UCL and UCLH, is the most detailed account of the characteristics of CVT, when it is caused by the novel condition vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). VITT is a condition characterised by a blockage of the veins and a marked reduction of platelets, blood components which are an important part of the blood clotting system. The commonest and most severe manifestation of VITT is CVT, in which veins draining blood from the brain become blocked. This new study looks in detail at 70 patients with VITT-associated CVT following vaccination are compared to 25 with CVT without evidence of VITT.
Turning to nature for rehabilitation
Can nature support physical and psychological wellbeing for adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) or long-term neurological conditions (LTNC)? Dr Anita Rose, consultant clinical neuropsychologist at The Renovo Care Group, explores the issue “Being in nature is not only inspiring, it also has medical and psychotherapeutic potential. By experiencing nature, we place our body in the original functional circle made of humans and the environment from which we emerged. We put two matching puzzle pieces together – us and nature into one whole.” Clemens G. Arvay (Healing code of nature) We can all find ourselves in stressful situations during our lifetime. In fact, the whole of humankind has faced challenges and adversity during the recent pandemic. When we are facing crises it is natural to look for refuge, a safe environment, a place of healing.
Outdoor activities commonplace in brain injury rehab plans
Outdoor activities are being included in the rehabilitation plans for clients with brain injuries by the vast majority of insurers and defence solicitors, it has been revealed.
The newly-opened neurorehabilitation centre Calvert Reconnections polled 112 defence solicitors during June and July 2021, with 81 per cent saying they include outdoor activities in their rehabilitation plans. In further findings, 82 per cent said that funders and referrers face a lack of choice in relation to brain injury rehabilitation options, while 88 per cent highlighted a specific shortage in residential-based programmes.
Mum and son innovators look to bring their Walking Wheelchair to reality
A mother and son team who have devised a pioneering standing wheelchair are looking to partner with a manufacturer to bring their prototype to fruition.
The Walking Wheelchair enables people with limited use of their legs to assume a standing position, using a saddle therapy seat and Segway-style wheelbase. Its design, which is aimed at people living with conditions including Muscular Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Motor Neurone Disease and spinal injury (L1-5), is protected by patent and has already won awards for its innovative design. It differs from what is already available through its saddle seat lifting the user’s weight vertically to standing, rather than a conventional seat which tips, and has a gyroscope to balance the standing weight instead of a counterweight. It also has a two wheel wheelbase with a tight turning circle rather than the standard six-wheel base.
Award to recognise innovation in managing ABI
Changemakers working in the field of brain injury can put themselves forward for a coveted award, nominations for which have opened for 2021.
The Mike Barnes Award for Innovation recognises and celebrates innovative projects and concepts in the management of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).
