The Problem of Neurotrauma
Neurotrauma is expensive - both in economic and human terms. Prevention and repair of the severe nerve damage, which casues much of the long-term disability, can be achieved through neuroscience research.
- Neurotrauma = traumatic injury of the brain or spinal cord, usually resulting in permanent loss of normal function.
- Road crashes resulting in neurotrauma create devastating long-term loss of personal freedom and quality of life for hundreds of mainly young Western Australians every year.
- Thousands of people in Australia, millions all around the world, are impacted by neurotrauma, year in and year out.
The Program's Mission
".....to prevent and mitigate nerve damage through the discovery of therapies to maintain, repair and functionally regenerate damaged human central nervous system tissue and thereby improve the personal freedom and quality of life of victims of neurotrauma."
Our Ultimate Goal
...Is to cure spinal cord injury paralysis and the devastating consequences of traumatic brain injuries.
The Long Term Vision
...Is that a permanent Neurotrauma Research Centre of International standing will evolve, ensuring that Western Australia retains its position at the forefront of this exciting and rapidly progressing sphere of science and technology.
How To Cure Neurotrauma
Recovery from neurotrauma involves several components. It isn't as simple as sewing together the ends of a severed spinal cord, or patching a section of damaged brain tissue in the same way that skin can be grafted.
Neuroscience must find ways to:
- minimise or prevent secondary nerve damage, which is often responsible for much of the long-term disability
- minimise withdrawal of damaged nerve fibres from the injury site
- trigger regeneration of nerve fibres and ensure they reach target tissue
- ensure nerve fibres branch off to seek out appropriate connections in relation to the brain's 'topographical maps'
- re-establish neuro-transmission.
Where Does Our Funding Come From?
Western Australia's Road Safety Council provided funding for six years, between 1999 and 2006, allowing Western Australia's leading Neuroscientists to join forces to help optimize road trauma services and reduce the impact of brain and spinal injuries caused by road crashes. This funding arose specifically from the Road Trauma Trust Fund, which receives revenue from multanova speeding camera fines - quite an appropriate source, considering the connection between speed, road trauma and head and spinal injuries.
The NRP was the first module of research to be instigated under the umbrella of WAIMR. WAIMR provides the vital administrative support necessary for the running of this large, multi-faceted Program. The University of Western Australia and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital also provide very significant infrastructure and "in kind" support.
In May 2006 the Western Australian State Government renewed its commitment to the NRP, pledging support of $8million over 5 years to continue and expand the Program.
A Brief Historical Overview of NRP Achievements
When the NRP was first initiated in 1998 the future for people with brain and spinal cord injuries was bleak. The thought of undertaking clinical trials in the next decade with a potentially effective treatment was not even imagined.
The NRP has changed this by:
- Establishing a "critical mass" of neuroscience research in WA
- Bringing Neuroscientists, Neurosurgeons and Clinicians together to enhance understanding and develop productive collaborations
- Bringing young neuroscience talent back to WA
- Inspiring a new generation of West Australian graduates who embrace the challenge of neurotrauma research, ensuring the State maintains its prominent position
- Creating opportunities and providing incentives for WA neuroscience graduates
- Creating an environment where human clinical trials can be seriously considered
- Placing WA as a hub on the global map of neurotrauma research centres
- Contributing to the global understanding of ways to reduce the human and economic impact of neurotrauma
- Making significant scientific discoveries that will lead to therapies to mitigate and reverse nerve damage
