What's New? Developments in Neurotrauma Research
November 24th, 2011
Thousands of Western Australians live with the serious consequences of neurotrauma, which is caused by traumatic brain injuries, stroke and spinal cord injuries.
For these patients and their families, cutting-edge medical research is essential, providing hope for more independence and a better quality of life now and in the future.
As part of its commitment to collaboration between researchers, clinicians and people living with neurotrauma, the Neurotrauma Research Program (NRP) is holding a public forum next Monday 28th November at the University of Western Australia (UWA).
The State's leading neuroscientists and neuro-clinicians will be detailing the exciting new developments in neurotrauma research and welcome anyone with an interest in brain or spinal cord injury to attend.
The presentations will include easy to understand updates for the general community on exciting laboratory work involving the use of stem cells and other techniques to minimise damage, re-grow nerve tissue and improve function after neurotrauma.
3 new clinical trials involving Western Australians with Spinal Cord Injuries will also be detailed at the public forum. These include:
- Preventing pressure ulcers by combining education, computer programs to monitor chair pressure and the skin's oxygen levels, and ultrasound.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group programs for Spinal Cord Injury patients who are experiencing chronic pain.
- SCIPA (Spinal Cord Injury Physical Activity) - a national, multicentre initiative focusing on meaningful, ongoing exercise to optimise health and wellbeing.
"In May 2006, the Western Australian Government announced a major funding boost to the Neurotrauma Research Program of $8 million over five years," said NRP Executive Officer, Louise Goodes.
"This will end in late 2012, and NRP researchers are looking forward to sharing with the community their ground breaking achievements so far, and the exciting clinical potential of their current studies."
The NRP's public forum will be held next Monday 28th November at UWA's Bayliss building, formerly known as Molecular and Chemical Sciences. The lecture theatre is on the ground floor and proceedings will commence at 1pm and conclude at 5pm after an audience question and answer session with senior NRP Investigators.
For more information please contact:
Louise Goodes
Executive Officer
Neurotrauma Research Program
Mobile: 0418 911 878
Email: louise.goodes@waimr.uwa.edu.au
Carolyn Monaghan
Communications Manager
Mobile: 0448 021 932 (media enquiries only)
Office: (08) 9224 0377
Email:
carolyn.monaghan@waimr.uwa.edu.au
