Clinicians & therapists

NR Times catches up with Victoria Holness-Waud, specialist neurological occupational therapist and founder and clinical director of 360 Rehab, to find out more about her approach and the current climate for occupational therapy in neuro-rehabilitation. The many roles we play in life, says Victoria Holness-Waud, are central to our identity. When those roles are threatened [...]

Psychedelic drugs may help sustain PTSD recovery by triggering brain repair, according to new research in rats. Psilocybin and MDMA can produce rapid effects in people with PTSD, but lasting benefits require brain circuits to stabilise. The study suggests myelin, the insulating layer around nerve cells, may help bridge the gap between the short-lived psychedelic [...]

An interview with Amie Roberts, mental health lead at acuity care Mental health is not an optional extra within neurorehabilitation – it is a core component of recovery. As Mental Health Lead at acuity care, Amie Roberts’ role is to promote, protect and improve emotional and psychological wellbeing of individuals living with an acquired brain [...]

A blood test could help predict Alzheimer’s symptom onset, with researchers reporting estimates accurate to within three to four years. The method uses levels of a protein called p-tau217, measured in plasma, the liquid part of blood, to estimate the age at which symptoms are likely to appear. P-tau217 reflects the build-up of amyloid and [...]

Brain training improved neuroplasticity and thinking skills in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a recent small study, Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and reorganise nerve fibres responsible for learning and processing. These fibres enable communication between nerve cells for speech, memory and problem-solving. In a healthy brain, many strong [...]

Early biological signs of Parkinson’s disease have been detected in blood years before symptoms appear, raising the prospect of earlier diagnosis and future treatment. The findings suggest key disease processes leave measurable traces in blood for a limited time, creating a window for early detection. Blood tests could begin to be trialled in healthcare within [...]

A single dose of DMT given alongside psychotherapy has been shown to ease symptoms of major depression, with benefits lasting for months, according to a small clinical trial. The trial found that people receiving the psychedelic treatment saw rapid improvements in depressive symptoms, which continued well beyond the short period during which the drug was [...]

A study will test remote emotional and practical support for people after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. People who experience a TIA, a mini-stroke caused by a temporary drop in blood supply to the brain, or a minor stroke often face anxiety and loss of confidence. They may struggle to return to [...]

Sixty-two children who underwent spinal surgery in Ireland are to receive clinical follow-up as a precaution after an independent review. The Health Service Executive is clinically reviewing the children following completion of an external report into the service. The review concerns the practice of an individual consultant and the environment in which they operated at [...]

Lincolnshire Community Hospitals Group has joined with Spinal Injuries Association to improve patient experiences for people who have lost bowel function after injury or illness. While no official figures on the prevalence of paralysed bowels exist, the charity estimates that over 457,000 people in the UK with neurological conditions, including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, [...]