Epilepsy: Is It An Inherent State Of Cortical Hyper-excitability?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,640.00
Summary
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe way to study the human brain and changes associated with epilepsy. I will use TMS to examine the effect of refractory epilepsy and recurrent seizures on the brain over time and how this differs to well controlled epilepsy and provoked isolated seizures. I will also explore the potential of using TMS to predict responsiveness to medication soon after starting treatment.
Cortical Excitation In Migraine: Using Vision To Understand And Track Brain Excitability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,628.00
Summary
Migraine is a common neurological condition affecting approximately 15% of adults. Therapies are most effective if used early, yet many people are unable to predict their migraines or to recognize early signs. In addition to headache, key symptoms include abnormal visual and auditory experience. We propose that aspects of vision and hearing will vary systematically according to the current brain status. Our translational goal is to develop tests that allow individuals to better manage migraine.
Function And Physiological Role Of Inhibitory Circuits In The Amygdala
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$741,518.00
Summary
The amygdala is part of the brain that assigns emotional content to our sensory world and dysfunction of the amygdala is responsible for many anxiety-related disorders. Many anxiolytics, like valium, act on receptors in the amygdala. In this project we will study circuits in the amygdala that are modulated by anxiolytics. These studies will provide essential information in the understanding of anxiety disorders and help in developing drugs to treat these disorders.
Electrophysiological And Neuroimaging Evaluation Of C9ORF72 Related Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$224,786.00
Summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Motor Neuron Disease) is a rapid and fatal neurological condition. To date there is no consensus on where the disease process may start. We will study healthy carriers who carry the most common ALS gene mutation and follow them over a four year period and track the associated changes. We will be using specialized neurophysiological tests to evaluate these patients and we hope to localize where the initiating problem with ALS patients may start.
Bilateral Movement Therapy In Post-stroke Hemiparesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,993.00
Summary
Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in adults in Australia, accounting for approximately 25% of all disability. A common motor disability resulting from stroke is hemiparesis, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. This disability severely impairs an individual's capacity to perform activities of daily living, making them dependent on relatives and health professionals for daily care. By developing effective interventions to treat stroke-induced hemiparesis both the disab ....Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in adults in Australia, accounting for approximately 25% of all disability. A common motor disability resulting from stroke is hemiparesis, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. This disability severely impairs an individual's capacity to perform activities of daily living, making them dependent on relatives and health professionals for daily care. By developing effective interventions to treat stroke-induced hemiparesis both the disability caused by stroke and the associated personal and financial costs will be lessened. A number of interventions focusing on the affected side (unilateral), including active movements and muscle stimulation are being investigated as possible treatments for stroke-induced hemiparesis. Recent evidence suggests that involving the unaffected side simultaneously (bilateral therapies) could be effective, and may provide addtional benefits over unilateral therapies. The aim of this research is to thoroughly examine the effectiveness of bilateral therapies by incorporating them into established interventions. The findings from these studies will aid in the development and refinement of movement therapies aimed at promoting recovery from stroke-induced hemiparesis.Read moreRead less
VISUAL TESTS TO INVESTIGATE ALTERED CORTICAL FUNCTION IN MIGRAINE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$293,062.00
Summary
Migraine is a very common and disabling neurological condition that often involves visual symptoms. This project will study vision in people who experience migraine, to determine whether brain function is altered by a migraine event or in between migraines. Understanding the visual consequences of migraine provides insight to the neural processes causing migraine, and also those underlying less common but more sinister outcomes of migraine such as stroke and peripheral vision loss.