Insight
After over 45 years in the spinal cord injury (SCI) field, Wagih El Masri is well placed to prescribe what’s needed to improve treatment of the condition; especially in Britain, where the Egyptian-born consultant has trained and worked since 1971. He is former chairman of the British Association of Spinal Cord Injury Specialists (BASCIS), ex-president [...]
Neuro-rehab has an image problem. It is evident in the highest quarters of the NHS, at Westminster and on hospital wards. The fact is, as a healthcare field, there is a widespread lack of awareness about exactly who we are and what we do. This identity crisis manifests itself in many ways. Our field is [...]
Bullying, detention and trips to the head’s office could all be signs that a school pupil has a brain injury. Others include falling grades, poor concentration and messing around in class. By spotting these red flags and taking action, teachers can avert a downward spiral that all too often ends in the criminal justice system. Rates [...]
Multiple sclerosis can affect the brain and spinal cord and cause a range of symptoms, including problems with vision, arm and leg movement, sensation and balance. The condition slightly reduces life expectancy and causes occasionally mild – but usually serious – disability. There are around 100,000 people with diagnosed MS in the UK, with most receiving [...]
The neurophysiology of sex Sexuality is part of being human. Our sexuality affects how individuals perceive themselves and how they interact with those around them. Sexuality is a complex area of functioning encompassing sexual development which begins in utero; sexual awareness which develops through childhood and adolescence; sexual responsiveness and awareness (Bancroft J 2009). It [...]
Even under the bright lights of A+E, and the fixed stare of the experienced doctor, stroke can go undetected. It hides behind the mask of other problems like migraine, vertigo or drugs and alcohol. In young people, who are generally considered low risk, this deceit can be devastating. Death or life-changing disabilities can occur – [...]
In dealing with psychiatric comorbidity, a varied and effective interdisciplinary team can have a strong impact on service users’ emotional and psychological wellbeing...
A new version of the SMART diagnostic system for prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC) patients is due to be released in 2017. It draws from new research and Royal College of Physicians (RCP) 2013 guidelines – and aims to further improve the search for awareness in possible vegetative and minimal consciousness state cases. SMART detects awareness [...]
Football’s alleged culture of bungs and backhanders was thrown under the floodlights in September – culminating in the sacking of England manager Sam Allardyce. In the same month as the Telegraph’s exposé of under the table deals, came another revelation to unsettle the custodians of the game. The University of Stirling delivered the first piece [...]
NRT: What are the headline findings from the report for people working with brain and spinal injury clients? MB: There is now good evidence to show that cannabis, including the non-psychoactive component CBD, can help to treat chronic pain – such as that experienced post spinal or brain injury – spasticity, nausea and vomiting and anxiety. We also [...]
