Insight

  • Study reveals how stigma impacts people with TBI

    People with traumatic brain injury often internalise public stigma, leading to self-doubt and social withdrawal, new research shows. The study found that discrimination can cause some TBI patients to see themselves as less worthy, with many developing a “why try” attitude that discourages them from attempting tasks or social contact. The investigation was led by [...]

  • BISWG conference tackles service gaps in brain injury support

    ‘No Man’s Land’ was the theme for this year’s Brain Injury Social Work Group (BISWG) conference where almost 100 delegates gathered at King’s College Hospital in London, a centre of excellence in neurorehabilitation. Spaces between services and systems and the challenges caused by those gaps came under the spotlight at the conference which also saw [...]

  • Research uncovers ‘brake’ that blocks spinal cord repair

    Researchers in South Korea have identified the molecular “brake” that halts spinal injury repair. They found that GABA, a chemical messenger that normally dampens nerve signals,  is produced in excess by astrocytes, star-shaped support cells, after injury. This happens through the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAOB), which becomes overactive. GABA was shown to [...]

  • New AI tool catches hidden signs of Parkinson’s

    New artificial intelligence software can spot subtle movement changes in Parkinson's disease from video recordings before they are visible to clinicians. The technology analyses finger-tapping movements to find changes invisible to the human eye, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The AI system, called VisionMD, was developed by a team at the University of Florida [...]

  • How carer-client matchmaking impacts rehabilitation outcomes

    By SweetTree Home Care Services After a stroke in 2021, Samuel’s mobility on the left side of his body was affected, which had an impact on his day-to-day life and resulted in his early retirement. When Samuel reached out to SweetTree to organise ongoing specialist support, the Brain Injury and Neurological Conditions team identified some [...]

  • Study finds hidden virus in brains of Parkinson’s patients

    A virus long thought to be harmless may play a role in Parkinson’s disease, new research suggests. Scientists at Northwestern Medicine detected Human Pegivirus (HPgV) in the brains and spinal fluid of people with Parkinson’s, but not in those without the condition. The virus appeared in half of the Parkinson’s brain samples examined but was [...]

  • Pathway to Excellence at RHN recognised by Chief Nursing Officer for England

    The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN) welcomed Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, and Elaine Clancy, Chief Nursing Officer for South West London Integrated Care Board, as part of celebrations marking the first anniversary of the hospital’s Pathway to Excellence designation. During their visit, Duncan and Elaine met patients, families, and colleagues from across [...]

  • Read now: Latest monthly edition of NR Times magazine

    The latest monthly edition of NR Times – packed with brain and spinal insights, opinion, news and approaches – is out today. Read in full below:   

  • Brotherwood expands nationwide Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle hire service

    Renowned as the UK’s leading Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) specialists, Brotherwood has further strengthened its commitment to inclusive mobility by expanding its nationwide WAV Hire service. With the addition of new vehicles to their fleet, Brotherwood now offers greater availability and flexibility for clients seeking high-quality, accessible transport solutions on both a short and long-term [...]

  • Escape room simulates brain injury challenges

    An escape room has been created to highlight the realities faced by people living with a brain injury. It was recently launched at the Ipswich headquarters of Headway Suffolk, a charity that helps people with neurological conditions. The activity has been tested by clinicians and features six stations that simulate how a person with a [...]