Tech & industry

Cutting-edge new technology can successfully classify the diagnosis and characteristics of common types of paediatric brain tumours, new research has found.

Through the use of weighted imaging, an advanced imaging technique, combined with machine learning (AI), a brain tumour’s type can potentially be classified without the use of biopsy. This will enable to tumour to be characterised and then treated more efficiently, the UK study concluded.

A digital pen which provides early warning of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions has secured £1.2m funding to support its international roll-out.

The NeuroMotor Pen is set to launch later this year, initially focusing on the UK and Benelux markets, while also progressing work to secure regulatory approval to start selling in US. The pen has passed clinical trials with the NHS in the North East of England and Scotland and is currently being used by Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust, and advanced talks to supply the pens to a UK-based primary care group are currently underway, following a development contract with NHS England to develop a version that can be used in GP surgeries. The NeuroMotor Pen has been devised by Edinburgh medtech company Manus Neurodynamica.

A leader in rehabilitation technology has formed a new research partnership to help advance its work in world-leading robotics further still.

Fourier Intelligence has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Faculty of Engineering to research and develop neurorehabilitation robotics. The partnership marks another milestone in Fourier Intelligence’s ongoing efforts to promote accessibility and adoption of rehabilitation technology in patient care and therapy, while also signalling NUS’ continued commitment to ramp up progress in the field with cutting-edge research.

“Sat on elephant. Swam on turtle. Dancing in Tardis.”

While this may sound like something from a particularly crazy dream, for stroke survivors, this is a reality - or rather virtual reality - which is delivering measurable benefits to their recovery.

Through accessing EVA Park, the world’s first multi-user online world, people with aphasia across the globe are being given unique opportunities to re-learn and practice their speech, while also developing social connections and confidence. So while social interactions and venturing out to the shops may seem a daunting prospect in everyday life, in EVA Park, users can enjoy a carefree trip to the hairdresser, bar or disco, or even go dancing in the Tardis, should they wish.

Two pioneering robotics companies have formed a global partnership to develop new digital rehabilitation solutions.

HumanXR and Fourier Intelligence will work together to accelerate digitisation for advanced rehabilitation, integrating immersive virtual experiences in state-of-the-art rehabilitation robotics. The venture comes as the role technology can play in rehabilitation is more widely recognised than ever before, through the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in a significant shift to the use of telerehab and digital.

How new technology could revolutionise the way patients self-report their symptoms - improving outcomes and research capabilities in neuro-rehab and other fields.

‘Patient-centred’ has become a well-worn phrase in neuro-rehab in recent years. In fact, so often is it mentioned by care and therapy providers, that it is starting to mean different things to different people, running the risk of becoming meaningless.

Of course, in healthcare the patient should, indeed, be at the heart of everything. If self-report mechanisms are flawed, however, can we really say that this is the case?

Soothing sounds and relaxing vibrations are incorporated into the innovative inmu  sound cushion, activating the senses of people with brain injuries.

The human body responds to music. What feels like a healing sound to some can be unbearable noise to others. After suffering brain injuries or a stroke, music and sounds can put tremendous strain on patients. In such cases, even something as subtle as a birdsong can become intolerable.

Medicotech has a unique approach to neuro-rehab which puts the patient at its heart and provides a seamless experience for professionals.

With a vast range of neuro-rehab applications available, rehab centres and units often find themselves sourcing equipment from various providers.

Medicotech is addressing the often-disjointed nature of neuro-rehab this can cause, by providing a seamless approach.

The company offers “the complete solution for rehabilitation”, with a piece of equipment suitable for every stage of the rehabilitation process, from the most acute stages right through to discharge.

Patients may start their rehabilitation journey with a recently-launched piece of equipment called the bemo, designed by THERA-Trainer.

NR Times invited three experts for a virtual discussion on the changing role of technology in rehab after brain injury.

Neuro-rehab specialists Anna Wilkinson and Rebecca Bancroft, of physiotherapy provider More Rehab, are joined by Louise Jenkins, partner and serious injury specialist at Irwin Mitchell.

Anna Wilkinson (AW): Using tech gives us a different way of rehabilitating someone; it keeps patients attentive, keeps them concentrated and keeps them motivated to reach their goals.