brainWAVES The Newsletter of the Brain Foundation
Summer 2018-2019
We need to talk about . . .
CONCUSSION
Your brain is for life….not just a sporting career There has been a lot in the media recently about the effect of concussion, not just in sporting heroes, but in everyday players and also as a result of brain injury from accidents and medical conditions. Concussion can be obvious, with a knock out now removing a player immediately from the game. But it can also be very subtle, where the symptoms can develop in the days, weeks and even months following the injury. Dizziness, headaches, memory loss and confusion are not uncommon. There is also a concern for players who suffer multiple and repetitive subtle head knocks throughout a game with growing evidence that long term cognitive and motor impairment might be suffered as a result.
“When in doubt, sit it out”. It is not a question of not playing sport. Whilst there are growing numbers of players of all ages suffering concussions, the opposite effect is another medical epidemic: obesity. What we need is a strong, unified approach to treating concussion with the doctor having the final word on when a player can return. But we also need to understand the physical effects suffered by the brain. It is with this in mind, that Brain Foundation has proposed a ‘Concussion Initiative’.
Goodbye and thank you Gerald It is with a mixture of sadness and excitement for the future, that we bid farewell to Gerald, our erstwhile ‘commander and leader’ for the last 15 years. When the Brain Foundation was formed in 1970, there were no organisations doing dedicated research into brain disorders. Practitioners began their own organisation to investigate disorders and potential treatments.
A study which will look into the changes in the brain and a protein which can be developed in some individuals. What is the effect of this protein? Are these players more susceptible to early onset dementia or CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy)? There are many questions yet to be answered. To help us along with funding this great new initiative, Brain Foundation ran an initial campaign of 4 videos with the Sydney Swans. We had a video on the big screen prior to the game and we engaged the Swans Academy for junior players to help raise awareness of this issue among young players and our research proposal.
In the early 2000’s, Gerald came along at a time when research organisations were being formed in hospitals and labs around the country. Competition for donations to fund research became much more competitive and the Brain Foundation had to change with the times to remain relevant and vital to Australia’s young researchers. Gerald managed to achieve this and very much more. Today, the Brain Foundation remains essential to the early careers of researchers, with our annual grants being very strongly sought after. Our financial position is strong, and our path to the future assured. For this, we have Gerald to thank.
We are looking forward to progressing this area of research and to be able to contribute to the greater community. For more Brain Foundation information on 02 9437 5967 this initiative info@brainfoundation.org.au Matthew Kiernan, Gerald, incoming CEO Trevor Thompson, David Burke AO Chairman Scientific Committee
So, Gerald, from the directors and staff, we are sad to see you go and wish you all the very best for your future endeavours.
Matthew Kiernan, President, Brain Foundation
Contact the Brain Foundation PO Box 579, Crows Nest NSW 1585 Telephone: 02 9437 5967 or 1300 886 660 Email: info@brainfoundation.org.au Visit our websites brainfoundation.org.au and headacheaustralia.org.au