In the Media
How a psychologist supports a unique patient population in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
February 27, 2024
Dr. Sarah Vernon-Scott, Psychologist in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) in Clinical Neurosciences at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), works with a variety of neurology patients, including individuals diagnosed with Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES).
Academic Realignment Initiative Awards - 2024 Awardees
January 2024
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) and Children’s Health Foundation have announced new recipients of LHSC’s Academic Realignment Initiative Awards. The awards will support 15 research and quality improvement initiatives over the next two years.
The implementation of a comprehensive clinical neurophysiology program in paediatric neurosciences
Fellow: Anastasiia Skovronska
Supervisors: Drs. Andrea Andrade and Sandrine deRibaupierre
Department: Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences and Department of Paediatrics
Stroke neurology fellowship: Implementing Canada’s first heart and brain program
Fellow: Arturo Gonzalez-Lara
Supervisor: Dr. Lauren Mai
Clinical Program Area: Stroke Program / Clinical Neurological Sciences
Establishing role of functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in pediatric epilepsy surgery
Fellow: Marcelo Oppermann
Supervisor: Dr. Victor Yang
Clinical Program Area: Clinical Neurological Sciences
Stroke neurology fellowship: Improving outcomes in ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation while on anticoagulation
Fellow: Jaime Eduardo Rodriguez-Orozco
Supervisor: Dr. Lauren Mai
Clinical Program Area: Stroke Program/Clinical Neurological Sciences
Announcement: Dr. David A. Steven re-appointed chair Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences
December 18, 2023
We are pleased to announce that Dr. David A. Steven has been re-appointed to the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences as:
• Chair (Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University);
• Physician Department Executive (London Health Sciences Centre); and
• Chief (St. Joseph’s Health Care London).
Children’s Hospital is improving the lives of paediatric epilepsy patients with new groundbreaking treatments
December 13, 2023
Dr. Sandrine de Ribaupierre Pediatric Epilepsy Neurosurgeon, demonstrates the ROSA Robotic Arm. Dr. de Ribaupierre, in collaboration with the University Hospital Epilepsy Program at LHSC, including Dr. Jonathan Lau, performed the Canadian First Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation procedure on 11-year-old Makayla Douglass.
Seinfeld provides insight into how our brains understand and appreciate humour: Study
November 13, 2023
“It was very easy to find participants,” said Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry MD/PhD student and study lead author Margaret Prenger. “Who doesn’t want to lie down for an hour in a cozy MRI and watch Seinfeld?”
To test that theory, next Prenger, under the co-supervision of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry faculty Dr. Penny MacDonald and Adrian Owen, and her collaborators scanned patients with Parkinson’s disease with the audio-recorded jokes and Seinfeld viewings. Their early data indicates that the dorsal striatum, or comprehension processor, did not react as expected, while the ventral striatum, or appreciation processor, for the most part did. These results have yet to be published.
A new classification of heart rhythm for stroke patients
October 13, 2023
A new study, published in The Lancet Neurology, describes the knowledge on atrial fibrillation detected in patients who had a recent stroke. The publication suggests that atrial fibrillation detected post-stroke is not quite the same as the irregular heartbeats already known before a stroke.
The study, led by Western professor Dr. Luciano Sposato, proposes that atrial fibrillation detected post-stroke exhibits distinct characteristics. It has a lower prevalence of risk factors, cardiovascular comorbidities, and changes associated with upper chambers of the heart than atrial fibrillation known prior to the stroke. This could potentially explain its association with a decreased risk of another ischaemic stroke, which results from a blocked artery.
Seven interdisciplinary teams receive funding to solve research questions
August 10, 2023
Epilepsy is a common neurological disease that causes recurring seizures. Despite use of medications, one-third of patients continue to have seizures. Only a small percentage of these patients are candidates for epilepsy surgery. An alternative treatment is neuromodulation (electrical stimulation): including Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Deep-Brain Stimulation. This study will help identify patients who would benefit from neuromodulation therapy, with the goal of improving the quality of life of epilepsy patients and reducing epilepsy health-care costs, as well as better understanding sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
Investigators:
Ana Suller Marti, MD, PHD, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences
Alia Kashgari, MBBS, Department of Medicine - Division of Respirology
The brains behind treating the brain at UH
July 13, 2023
In looking back at 50 years of care in CNS – which specializes in diseases and disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves – there are easily a dozen physicians who were, or are, leaders in their fields. Dr. Henry Barnett – who first met Dr. Drake in England and then later co-founded CNS with him – was the first in the world to prove conclusively that aspirin reduces the future risk of stroke. He, along with other neurologists and neurosurgeons around the world, also conducted trials that concluded that surgery for narrowed carotid arteries in the neck helps prevent future stroke.
LHSC nurse practitioner receives provincial leadership and patient advocacy award
June 26, 2023
Wilma Koopman, a nurse practitioner in LHSC’s Clinical Neurosciences (CNS) department, has been awarded the President’s Award for Leadership in Clinical Nursing Practice by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario for her patient advocacy and work elevating the profession’s profile.
University Hospital team performs first-in-Canada robot-assisted brain surgery
June 15, 2023
In a Canadian first, a team at University Hospital in London, Ont., has used a robot to help them implant tiny electrodes deep into the brains of patients to treat epilepsy.
"The electrodes are about one to two millimetres in diameter and they're about 10 centimetres deep from the skull," said neurosurgeon Dr. Jonathan Lau, who has performed the procedure three times since the beginning of the year.
First Canadian robot-assisted deep brain stimulation surgery to treat epilepsy at LHSC’s University Hospital
June 14, 2023
For the first time in Canada, a robot-assisted deep brain stimulation surgery to treat seizures caused by epilepsy was successfully completed at the London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC) University Hospital (UH).
Deep brain stimulation surgery involves placing electrodes in the brain that are connected to a pacemaker which provides stimulation to alter brain activity enough to prevent or limit seizures.
“The robot allows accurate, individualized trajectories and can quickly move between electrode implants with minimal manual intervention,” said Dr. Jonathan Lau, who has successfully completed three surgeries using the robot since January.
Speech Language Pathology: Specialty areas
May 17, 2023
The role of an S-LP in Clinical Neurosciences (CNS) largely consists of helping patients who have acquired communication or swallowing impairments from neurological damage (e.g., from a stroke or brain tumour).
“Our brains control both speech and swallowing processes, so on the CNS floor we often get patients with needs for both functions,” Alicia says.
For communication impairments, S-LPs see patients with neurological damage, those that have a change in voice, motor speech difficulties, cognitive communication changes, aphasia, and fluency disorders.
Physiotherapy in an acute care setting
May 10, 2023
Megan works as an acute care stroke physiotherapist in Clinical Neurosciences (CNS) at LHSC. She assesses and treats stroke survivors. Megan, along with all physiotherapists within LHSC, help patients with their functional recovery and help them meet their goals related to their mobility and function.
Ten grants totalling $1 million awarded to support the future of clinical stroke research
April 25, 2023
Brain Canada, Heart & Stroke, and the Canadian Stroke Consortium are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2022 Stroke Clinical Research Catalyst Grants. The purpose of this program is to increase capacity for clinical stroke research within Canada, with an aim to reduce the burden of stroke, prevent recurrence, and improve patient outcomes through clinical research that will improve our understanding of stroke and advance stroke care.
Dr. Luciano Sposato, Western University – STARGATE (Sweet spoT for cArdiac Rhythm monitorinG After sTrokE) Pilot Trial: A pilot-feasibility randomized controlled trial.
Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia, the Leading Cause of Dementia in People under Age 60
March 09, 2023
The term FTD refers to a cluster of disorders that affect the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes—regions associated with personality, behavior, language and other high-level brain functions. The disease can be devastating for people with FTD and their spouses, children or grandchildren, says Elizabeth Finger, a neurologist and professor at Western University in Ontario. One of FTD’s most insidious aspects is the way it can suddenly seem to alter someone’s personality.
Improving heart health at midlife and beyond could lower future risk of stroke, dementia
February 07, 2023
The study, to be presented Wednesday at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference in Dallas, found that improving heart health in midlife and beyond was associated with a lower prevalence of stroke and dementia risk factors around two decades later. The findings are considered preliminary until full results are published in a peer-reviewed journal.
"You can prevent a lot of brain damage by following" these measures for good cardiovascular health, said Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, a distinguished university professor in clinical neurological sciences at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. "And you can see the results here."
NeuroSense Expands its Phase 2b ALS PARADIGM Trial to Canada and Withdraws Protocol from U.S. IND to Align its Clinical Strategy with the FDA for a Potential Pivotal Phase 3 Study
February 06, 2023
Dr. Christen Shoesmith, Medical Director of the London Health Sciences Centre ALS Clinic and Principal Investigator of the PARADIGM trial in Canada, commented, "We are very pleased with Health Canada's approval to recruit and dose people living with ALS in the PARADIGM study. Canada is at the forefront of advancing promising treatments to provide much needed options for people living with ALS."
LHSC Department accredited with Stroke Distinction (TM)
January 30, 2023
Accreditation Canada, the accreditation body that evaluates Canadian hospitals to ensure national standards are met, has accredited the London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital Clinical Neurological Sciences with Stroke DistinctionTM designation.
Stroke DistinctionTM means that LHSC has demonstrated national leadership in the delivery of high-quality stroke care and has met the criteria of Canadian Stroke Best Practices with Heart and Stroke Canada.
“LHSC's Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences is dedicated to advancing the field of stroke research and providing the best possible care for our patients”, says Dr. Luciano Sposato, Head of the Stroke Program.
Fall 2022 IRF Competition Results
January 23, 2023
Lawson Health Research Institute is pleased to announce the results of the Fall 2022 Internal Research Fund (IRF) Competition. Over $160,000 has been awarded in this round, providing funding for 11 projects.
Gofton, Teneille – Department of Clinical Neurosciences; “The STatus Eplepticus Prognosis Study (STEP Study)”, $15,000
The learner journey: Expert perspectives on teaching
December 22, 2023
Whether it’s instructing students or communicating with patients, teaching is a critical part of a medical practice. The Teaching in Medicine Club, a student-run group with a focus on developing passionate medical educators through career exploration and skill building, spoke to four physician educators at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry about their perspectives regarding effective teaching.
Featuring Dr. Shannon Venance...
New portable EEG machines advance epilepsy diagnosis, research, LHSC says
October 26, 2022
London Health Sciences Centre is welcoming the addition of new electroencephalogram (EEG) machines to its epilepsy monitoring unit, which it says has helped advance research and diagnosis of the neurological disorder.
“What it does is — and this is an update to the equipment that we’ve had already, but this is a more advanced version of it — this equipment allows us to monitor a patient’s seizures in real-time while they’re in the hospital,” said Dr. David Steven, chair/chief of clinical neurological sciences at LHSC.
LHSC epilepsy unit gets $2M in new equipment during shutdown
October 25, 2022
“The information we can capture with this new equipment is processed faster. . . . The quality of the image on the video is far superior than it was before,” said neurologist Jorge Burneo, the chair of neurology in LHSC’s epilepsy program. “We have more equipment than what we had before. We have the potential to do more cases and investigate more people.”
Leadership Award for Fellow and Students: Karnig Kazazian
October 12, 2022
Kazazian is a PhD candidate in Neurosciences at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and is currently training with Dr. Teneille Gofton, a Neurologist at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Associate Scientist at Lawson. Kazazian and Dr. Gofton are researching neurological outcomes and measurements of neural recovery in critically ill patients with brain injuries in collaboration with Dr. Adrian Owen, Lawson Scientist and Professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
Lawson Strategic Research Fund winners using imaging to improve patient care and outcomes
September 30, 2022
“In Ontario approximately nine per cent of stroke patients develop cardiovascular complications,” explains Dr. Luciano Sposato, Lawson Scientist and Neurologist at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). “We have long suspected that these complications may be caused by inflammation. This study will leverage imaging technology to determine whether or not that is the case.”
Bariatric surgery recipients may have an elevated risk of epilepsy, study finds
September 28, 2022
Bariatric surgery, which involves altering your digestive system, has become a more common treatment for weight loss. While bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and obesity-related chronic conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, our research found that bariatric surgery recipients have an elevated risk of epilepsy." - Jorge G. Burneo, MD, MSPH, Study Author, Western University in London, Canada, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.
90 new grants to outsmart cancer, totalling $10.8 million
September 26, 2022
Matthew Hebb, University of Western Ontario – funded in partnership with "Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Institute of Cancer Research" - Novel electrotherapy for enhanced drug delivery and control of brain-seeking breast cancer metastases
Expert insight: We are preventing some dementias now – But how?
September 23, 2022
Dr. Vladimir Hachinski says a positive approach to brain health may help reduce incidences of stroke, heart disease and dementia.
New pilot program makes education more accessible
August 09, 2022
Five Western faculty members are embracing the use of open education resource course materials thanks to a pilot initiative spearheaded by Western Libraries.
Courtney Casserly, assistant professor, clinical neurological sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
A STROKE of genius: Teamwork makes dreamwork
Funding: Clinician researchers receive nearly $450,000 in research funding through AMOSO
June 14, 2022
Congratulations to the six faculty members who were successful in receiving support through the Academic Medical Organization of Southwestern Ontario's 2022 Opportunities Fund.
Dr. Adrian Budhram, Moving from antibody discovery in the laboratory to antibody test utility in clinical practice: Evaluating the positive predictive value of neural antibody testing in autoimmune neurological diseases.
Award: Dr. Roberta Bondar receives inaugural trailblazer award
June 2, 2022
Dr. Roberta Bondar, MSc’71, Resident Alumna (Neurology), is the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Stephen Blizzard Trailblazer Award from Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
Announcement: Dr. Vladimir Hachinski honoured with 2022 Potamkin Prize
May 20, 2022
Often described as the “Nobel Prize of Alzheimer's research," the Potamkin Prize recognizes the achievements of scientific researchers who do innovative work, find groundbreaking discoveries, and push forward the field of study in Pick’s, Alzheimer’s, and related brain degenerative diseases.
Vladimir Hachinski's Decades of Research on Dementia Is Recognized with the Potamkin Prize
May 05, 2022
Dr. Vladimir Hachinski was honored with the Potamkin Prize at the 2022 AAN Annual Meeting for his groundbreaking research on multi-infarct dementia, which opened up a new way of thinking about the causes and treatment of the disease.
Researchers Target MRI as Diagnostic Biomarker
April 28, 2022
“Even though we can’t cure Parkinson’s, existing therapies can reduce symptoms, keeping patients in their jobs and in their lives,” Penny MacDonald, MD, PhD, said in a press release. MacDonald is an associate professor at Western university and one of the study’s lead investigators.
Ontario and Quebec become the first provinces to list Kesimpta® (ofatumumab) for the treatment of adults with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)
April 25, 2022
"This is an important development for the MS communities in Ontario and Quebec, and I hope more provinces will follow shortly. People living with relapsing MS desire convenient options, so being able to offer patients a safe and highly efficacious treatment that can also be self-administered with a monthly subcutaneous injection moves us closer to achieving both the clinical goals of reducing disability and delaying progression while meeting the lifestyle needs and wishes of our patients," said Dr. Warren Berger, Neurologist, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London.
Advancing children’s neurosurgery through innovative technologies
April 22, 2022
“For some children, brain surgery may be required,” explains Dr. Sandrine de Ribaupierre, paediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). “In order to plan the most effective surgery, we need to better understand brain development. We need to see inside the brain to understand more about its different areas and the way they communicate.”
Inaugural neuroscience fellows ‘looking to make a difference’
April 22, 2022
Three researchers exploring novel ways to study the brain
Roberto Budzinski, who has a PhD from Federal University of Paraná in Brazil, will be working with mathematics professor Lyle Muller and clinical neurosciences professor Seyed Mirsattari of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
Research: New research targets faster diagnosis for Parkinson’s patients
April 18, 2022
Dr. Penny MacDonald and Ali Khan, PhD, are part of the McGill-Western Initiative for Translational Neuroscience research project investigating the use of biomarkers for faster diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Research: Changing lives at home and abroad
April 14, 2022
The long-standing epilepsy program led by Drs. Jorge Burneo and David Steven is gaining international attention for innovative patient care, research and clinical training.
Research: Finding treatments for brain diseases
April 13, 2022
Multidisciplinary teams of researchers are exploring innovative ways to develop breakthrough treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Taking this one step further, neurologists at Western have integrated computerized testing into the clinic. Dr. Penny MacDonald, Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, and Dr. Elizabeth Finger, a professor in the department of clinical neurological sciences, are examining Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients using the same computer-based testing used in mice.
Epilepsy awareness: A journey of strength and hope
March 31, 2022
“LHSC has one of the largest and most comprehensive epilepsy programs in Canada,” says Dr. Jorge Burneo, Neurologist at LHSC. “Our unique multidisciplinary teams perform more than 100 surgeries each year.”
Confronting the complexities of brain diseases
March 31, 2022
The brain is the most complex network of neurons and synapses, and brain diseases continue to puzzle and challenge scientists and researchers across the globe. Neurodegenerative conditions rank in the top 10 causes of death worldwide and are the number one cause of disability in Canada. The organ that makes us self-aware and intelligent also fails us at an alarming rate.
More than 100 researchers at Western University delve into this issue every day. Collaborating across faculties, with partners at home and abroad, Western’s research community is tackling the critical challenge of solving the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors that cause brain disease.
This series provides a snapshot of the exciting, world-leading neuroscience research at Western – a continuing journey to gain a deeper understanding of the brain, discover new treatments, and ultimately achieve lifesaving cures for the most complex brain diseases, from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, multiple sclerosis and more.
Drs. Elizabeth Finger, Penny MacDonald, and Jorge Burneo are highlighted in this article.
'Rosa One Brain' arrives at London Children's Hospital
March 26, 2022
Dr. Sandrine De Ribaupierre, neurosurgeon at Children's Hospital says, “The robot actually allows us to put electrodes in the brain without having a big opening, because we do small holes for each electrode, and then we insert those electrodes and monitor that patient for about two weeks to know where the seizure is coming from and then we make a decision whether we can take that part of the brain out, to cure their epilepsy.”
London Health Sciences Centre announces $5.7M in research and innovation awards
March 22, 2022
The new research chair is Dr. Sandrine de Ribaupierre, who will be the chair for pediatric neurosurgery and neuroscience. De Ribaupierre, a pediatric neurosurgeon at LHSC Children’s Hospital, says through her new position they will focus on two key areas: the use of augmented reality to improve patient experience and neuro imagining techniques to better understand brain networks.
Similar efficacy, lower adverse event risk with lower doses of pioglitazone
March 22, 2022
“Pioglitazone is the most potent therapy for insulin resistance, but it is underutilized, largely because of adverse effects from the 45 mg dose: leg swelling in 20% and weight gain in 10% of patients,” J. David Spence, CM, MD, FRCPC, FAHA, professor of neurology and clinical pharmacology at Western University, and director of the Stroke Prevention Atherosclerosis Research Centre at the Robarts Research Institute in London, Ontario, Canada, told Healio.
Funding: Clinical researchers awarded $2.7 million to fund innovative projects
March 16, 2022
More than $2.7 million has been awarded to clinical researchers at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry through AMOSO.
Dr. M. Reza Azarpazhooh, Mathematical outcome at school-age of children with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus: an interventional, behavioral and imaging study
Dr. Sandrine de Ribaupierre, Anxiolysis for Laceration Repair in Children: A Multicentre Bayesian Adaptive Randomized Controlled Trial (ALICE)
Pioneering research bridges engineering and medicine
March 09, 2022
Dr. Victor Yang dreams of building better surgical devices.“I’m looking forward to the research environment at the university, I think it will be refreshing,” he said. “I hope we will be able to make a lot of technologies mature and make them available to patients. That’s what I hope to do in the next 10 years.” Passionate about science from a young age, Yang’s career in medicine stemmed from his undergraduate studies in engineering. In his fourth year, his trajectory took a turn while attempting to build a surgical microscope for a thesis project.
Faculty Profile: Innovating in neuroscience and engineering
February 14, 2022
Dr. Victor Yang, an innovative neuroscientist and biomedical engineer, is bringing the next phase of his research to Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
Funding: CIHR announces Project Grant recipients
February 4, 2022
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) have announced more than $7.7 million in research funding through their project grants competition for 10 projects at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
Elizabeth Finger, Associate Professor, Clinical Neurological Sciences, – Neurodevelopmental vs. Neurodegenerative: A study of neurodevelopmental consequences of FTD genetic mutations in at-risk youth
Feature: Treating dementia before it happens
January 31, 2022
Dr. Vladimir Hachinski is taking a unique approach to identifying dementia risk factors and developing strategies for prevention.
Announcement: Dr. Luciano Sposato re-appointed as The Kathleen & Dr. Henry Barnett Chair in Stroke Research
January 27, 2022
Dr. Luciano Sposato has been re-appointed as The Kathleen & Dr. Henry Barnett Chair in Stroke Research, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University effective February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2027.
Alumni: Dr. Roberta Bondar, MSc’71, DSc’95, trailblazer in space, explorer on Earth
January 21, 2022
Thirty years after her historic flight, Canada’s first female astronaut inspires wonder in our natural world.
Honour: Dr. Vladimir Hachinski acknowledged at T.S. Srinivasan Knowledge Conclave in India
December 21, 2021
Dr. Vladimir Hachinski was recently honoured at the T.S. Srinivasan Knowledge Conclave in India in recognition of his contributions to neuroscience research.
Feature: Learning that sticks
October 27, 2021
As Vice Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, Dr. Shannon Venance plans to shift the focus of medical education and empower students to take charge of their own learning.
In Memoriam: Dr. Warren Blume
October 1, 2021
The Western community mourns the passing of Dr. Warren Blume, a pioneer in epilepsy care.
Award: Dr. Matthew Hebb was awarded an LRCP Catalyst Grand from the Fall 2021 Grant Competition.
Fall 2021
The London Regional Cancer Program & LAWSON Catalyst Grants for Translational Cancer Research review panel recently recommended funding for ten research projects submitted to the 2021 Fall Competition. This program, open to all primary and cross-appointees in the Department of Oncology at Western University (and their collaborators), supports translational cancer research with potential to attract and retain external funding and to lead to clinical applications that reduce the burden of cancer. We gratefully acknowledge our community fundraisers and generous donors and the diligent efforts of the London Health Sciences Foundation for the support required to offer these Catalyst Research Grants to our cancer researchers.
Dr. Matthew Hebb (Depts. of Surgery, Oncology). Co-Applicants: Drs Eugene Wong ( Depts. of Physica & Astronomy, Oncology), Susanna Schmid (Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology), John Ronald (Dept. of Medical Biophysics)
A novel breat cancer brain metastasis PDX rat model for the evaluation of an experimental electrotherapy
Announcement: Dr. Shannon Venance appointed Vice Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education
July 29, 2021
Dr. Shannon Venance has been appointed to the position of Vice Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University effective August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2026.
Stratford woman 'in a really difficult spot' must choose between MS medication or 2nd COVID-19 vaccination
May 7, 2021
But the drug can also make MS patients more vulnerable to serious COVID-19 complications that could put them on a breathing tube, so it's important they get fully vaccinated as soon as possible, said Dr. Courtney Casserly, a neurologist based out of the London Health Sciences Centre.
They should be getting vaccinated three to four weeks apart — as per the original instructions for Pfizer and Moderna — to allow enough buffer time on either side of the infusions. This schedule would also allow them to keep getting their infusions on schedule, said Casserly.
AHA News: 5 Critical Steps to Help Prevent a Stroke
May 5, 2021
Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes and working with health care practitioners to control stroke risk factors. Researchers have identified numerous steps people can take to lower stroke risk, but health experts agree, trying to do them all at once can feel overwhelming.
"The biggest mistake people make is they are overly ambitious, and then they fail and give up," said Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, a Canadian neurologist and global expert in the field of stroke. "You have to start small."
Powerful brain imaging provides new insights on neurological symptoms of COVID-19
March 16, 2021
The neurocognitive testing is led by Dr. Elizabeth Finger, associate professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
The hope is to determine exactly what is happening in the brains of COVID-19 patients and gain insight into what the long-term effects might be.
Imaging helps understand empathy loss in dementia
March 08, 2021
“He wasn’t thinking about his grandson at all; and typically, that loss of empathy extends even for those things where empathy is usually most robust, for example toward pets or grandchildren,” said Dr. Elizabeth Finger, associate professor at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and a neurologist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London.
Synergy Disc® Announces Enrollment of First Patient in US IDE Clinical Trial
January 29, 2021
SDRi is a privately held Ontario corporation with an office in Cambridge, Ontario and a wholly owned subsidiary located in Louisville, Colorado. SDRi was founded by Dr. Neil Duggal, M.D., a Canadian neurosurgeon who has dedicated his neurosurgery practice to advancing the treatment of patients with DDD and myelopathy.
New ALS guideline establishes national standard for managing neurodegenerative disease
November 16, 2020
"These best practice recommendations are an important step forward in improving the lives of people living with ALS across the country and supporting their caregivers by addressing important issues," says Dr. Christen Shoesmith, neurologist and Motor Neuron Diseases Clinic director at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario, and chair of the ALS guideline working group.
Stroke can be first presenting symptom of younger patients with COVID-19
September 15, 2020
Researchers at Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute, led by Dr. Luciano Sposato, have been investigating the relationship between COVID-19 and stroke to better understand the risk in patients and aid in treatment planning. In a new study published in the Sept. 15 online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the research team reports that approximately two in every 100 patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 will suffer a stroke, and 35 per cent will die as a result of both conditions.
Award: Dr. Vladimir Hachinski earns CMA’s top honour for ground-breaking stroke rehabilitation research
August 10, 2020
Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, Distinguished University Professor in Clinical Neurological Sciences and Epidemiology & Biostatstics was awarded the Canadian Medical Association’s F.N.G Starr Award for his pioneering work in stroke treatment and recovery.
Four new Canada Research Chairs for Western, two renewed
July 23, 2020
Penny MacDonald, Tier 2 CRC (renewal) of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry (funded by CIHR): MacDonald works to understand how a brain region, the striatum, is involved in thinking, attention, and memory (processes collectively known as cognition) in various brain disorders. In Parkinson’s disease, the striatum is the brain region that is most deprived of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Her research includes determining functions of the striatum and understanding how disease or medication can alter brain dopamine levels to affect cognition, behaviour and psychiatric symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder or addiction.
Alzheimer’s researcher goes back in time to move forward in diagnosis
July 22, 2020
Hypertension, diabetes and obesity significantly increase risks for cognitive impairment, he added, so if these individuals can be targeted much earlier in life – say, in someone’s 40s and 50s – preventive therapies could begin decades before cognitive impairments would begin. Whitehead, who heads up the Vulnerable Brain Lab at Western, is working with PhD student Austyn Roseborough and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Steve Pasternak, who has developed the microparticle detection system.
Study hints at early sign of Alzheimer’s degeneration
June 29, 2020
“It’s been known for a long time that the cholinergic neurons are particularly devastated in Alzheimer’s disease,” said Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry professor Taylor Schmitz, senior author. “This study confirmed that cholinergic denervation is an early stage of Alzheimer’s that precedes and predicts cortical degeneration.”
Even mild hits in contact sports changing the brain
June 17, 2020
“These white matter tracts connect all the areas of the brain. They are the highways along which information travels. When you damage them, you have difficulty moving information around,” Menon said. “Your brain finds ways to reroute the information along a different route, which is why you won’t be able to find any difference behaviourally.”
Research becomes medium for grad’s creativity
June 11, 2020
After completing the Summer Research Training Program in Whitehead’s lab, Levit transitioned into the MD/PhD program co-supervised by Dr. Vladimir Hachinski. His main research project focused on using preclinical animal models to investigate what role vascular complications like high blood pressure and small strokes have in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. By using a transgenic rat model, they were able to show that there was a correlation between this cerebral vascular stress and changes that are consistent with Alzheimer’s disease. They also showed that white matter inflammation accelerated by these vascular events might be a culprit in some of the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
New institute pushes neuroscience excellence forward
June 8, 2020
At Western, neuroscience is a core research strength that engages more than 100 investigators – including 14 Canada Research Chairs plus Canada Excellence Research Chair (Cognitive Neuroscience and Imaging) Emeritus Adrian Owen. Successes have included the emergence of several new centres like the Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping; rapid expansion of the Brain & Mind Institute; and a successful $66-million Canada First Research Excellence Fund grant, leading to the creation of BrainsCAN – a research initiative that transforms the way brain diseases and disorders are understood, diagnosed and treated.
Announcement: Researchers receive more than $4 million in NSERC funding
May 8, 2020
Researchers at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry have received more than $4 million in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Twenty research projects were supported through the Discovery Grants program, ranging from imaging the development of the auditory network to evaluating virtual reality in clinical training.
Research News: Team first in world to treat COVID-19 with specialized dialysis
May 7, 2020
As part of a randomized controlled trial, a London-based team is the first in the world to treat a patient with COVID-19 using a modified dialysis device. The device gently removes a patient's blood, modifies white blood cells and returns them to fight hyperinflammation. It is being led by Lawson Health Research Institute and tested with critically ill patients at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).
Announcement: Celebrating the 2020 Awards of Excellence recipients
April 15, 2020
As educators, researchers, innovators and leaders, the 2020 Awards of Excellence recipients are making a difference at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. This year, we celebrate 42 award recipients. It is with great pride that we recognize and honour their achievements. “We are proud to continue the tradition of honouring and celebrating our faculty and staff,” said Dr. Davy Cheng, Acting Dean.
Award: Dr. J. David Spence receives American Heart Association's William Feinberg Award
March 2, 2020
Congratulations to Dr. J. David Spence, recipient of the William M. Feinberg Award for Excellence in Clinical Stroke from the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association. Dr. Spence is a Professor of Neurology and Clinical Pharmacology at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry and the Director of the Stroke Prevention & Atherosclerosis Research Centre at Robarts Research Institute.
Research shows new drug helps to preserve brain cells for a time after stroke
February 20, 2020
Neuroprotection benefits select patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing thrombectomy, who did not receive tPA. Under the direction of site- co PIs Dr. Jennifer Mandzia and Michael Mayich London Health Sciences, Western University Stroke Program, participates in innovative multi-center study. Results published in the Lancet.
Funding: CIHR Project Grant recipients announced
January 23, 2020
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) announced more than $11.9 million in research funding through their project grants competition for 17 projects across Western University. At the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, 15 projects received funding, including four projects at Robarts Research Institute.
Study: Stroke ups risks of heart complications
January 15, 2020
Led by Dr. Luciano Sposato, the Kathleen and Henry Barnett Chair in Stroke at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, a Western-led study showed that women and men with no underlying heart disease are more than 20 times more likely to have their first heart attack, chest pain, or even cardiac death following a stroke.
Epilepsy Survey Gives Voice to Patients in Setting Their Research Priorities
October 16, 2019
“There are still many aspects of epilepsy and seizures that we don’t fully understand, which can pull research in many different directions,” said Dr. Jorge Burneo, Chair of the Epilepsy PSP Steering Committee and Epileptologist at Western University. “By collecting the questions of people in the epilepsy community, we can focus our work on answering the questions that are the most meaningful to the people who benefit from our research, which as a result will serve to help clinicians provide better care, and improve the lives of patients and their caregivers.“
Stroke rates continue decline in U.S.
October 9, 2019
“This is good news for a major ongoing problem,” said Dr. Vladimir Hachinski of the London Health Sciences Centre in Ontario, Canada, who edited the medical journal Stroke from 2000 to 2010. “The most surprising aspect is that the findings are similar in different locations,” Hachinski, who wasn’t involved in the current study, told Reuters Health by phone. “It would be interesting to see what’s driving down these rates.”
Healthy Plant-based diet tied to lowered heart risk
August 7, 2019
“It is not a good idea to just suddenly stop eating animals without some knowledge of how to make a vegetarian diet healthy,” said Dr. J. David Spence, director of the Stroke Prevention & Atherosclerosis Research Centre at Western University in London, Canada. "To get enough protein, vegetarians should eat tofu and quinoa and also combine whole grains with legumes like beans and lentils."
LHSC marks Ontario-first robot brain surgery on teen with epilepsy
August 1, 2019
“It is a game-changer and it has allowed us to bring in patients that, in the old days we thought were not candidates for surgery, and evaluate them and potentially give them the opportunity to be free of seizures,” said Andrea Andrade, pediatric neurologist and medical director of the pediatric epilepsy program at Children’s Hospital.
Preventing stroke could also help cut dementia cases
July 18, 2019
Dr. Vladimir Hachinski from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry says, “If we controlled everything we know about stroke we could prevent 90 per cent of them and we know stroke doubles the chances of dementia.”
Group calls on international community to prevent dementia by preventing stroke
July 18, 2019
“Our group showed that even if a person had the warning signs of stroke, and went to a stroke prevention clinic, the chances of dying that year decreased by 26 per cent,” said Dr. Vladimir Hachinski. “We started to look at what was happening to the incidence of dementia as the rates of stroke decreased.”
Sudden Death Can Occur Even in Well-Controlled Epilepsy
June 19, 2019
"Those who are fairly well-controlled can die from a seizure. Epilepsy doesn't need to be bad for you to be at risk of SUDEP," Dr. Jorge Burneo said. He's a professor of neurology, biostatistics and epidemiology at Western University in London, Canada. He said families need to be aware that SUDEP is a possibility and people with epilepsy need to be "very faithful about taking their medications."
London Neurologist helps pen international dementia prevention guidelines
May 16, 2019
“Without brain health there is no health,” said Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, a professor of neurology and epidemiology at Western behind decades of internationally recognized stroke and dementia research.
First Brain Tumour Registry for Canada Real-World Patient Evidence
May 14, 2019
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada identified a gap in available information on Canadian brain tumour patients and prioritized the development of a pan-Canadian surveillance report. A collaboration to explore the feasibility of this goal was developed between Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Dr. Faith Davis at the University of Alberta. The registry was conceived by a committee chaired by Dr. Joseph Megyesi then Chairman of the Board of Directors at Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Parkinson's patients making strides with electrical stimulation in the spine
April 23, 2019
“[We have] patients coming back saying ‘You’ve changed my life, I’m not falling, I’m not afraid of being able to be who I am,’” Dr. Mandar Jog said. “This is what we live for – to make sure that we have discoveries that directly go from our bench to our bedside. That couldn’t be more gratifying.”
How to treat and prevent migraines naturally
March 5, 2019
“In patients that… aren’t big users of caffeine, caffeine does have some anti-migraine effects,” he said. “The typical thing to do is to take a cola drink — which has a bit of sugar in it — so you get some sugar into you if you missed a meal, and caffeine.” syas Dr. Paul Cooper.
Pioglitazine may prevent cardiovascular events in stroke patients with prediabetes
February 13, 2019
"Pioglitazone should be used a lot more, particularly for secondary stroke prevention, in people with prediabetes. It should also be used more in people with diabetes," said Dr. David Spence.
Health-care system not equipped for rising number of vascular problems, report says
February 7, 2019
Chronic illness can make reaching out for mental health help harder
January 30, 2019
“From…the time you are diagnosed with MS until the end of your life there is a point prevalence of depression of 50 per cent, so one in five people will suffer with depression in their life,” says Dr. Sarah Morrow.
How to prevent a migraine from setting in
June 7, 2018
“You always want to make sure you have your migraine medication in hand, so you can take it immediately, should you need it,” says Dr. Paul Cooper.
Working Towards Better Epilepsy Treatment
June 6, 2018
New study shows that women are disproportionately affected by stroke and face various challenges across the health system.
Gut bacteria linked to risk of heart attack and stroke
May 10, 2018
A novel relationship between our gut microbiome and atherosclerosis means the bacteria in our gut could be linked to risk of heart attack and stroke, say researchers.
Western’s Vladimir Hachinski wins 2018 Killam Prize
May 10, 2018
Western University’s Vladimir Hachinski – past president of the World Federation of Neurology and a world-renowned stroke expert – is a 2018 Killam Prize winner for health sciences.
Awards round-up: winners of 2018 Killam and NSERC prizes revealed
May 9, 2018
Vladimir Hachinski, Western University (health sciences), is professor of neurology and distinguished university professor at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. As a clinician and researcher, he co-founded the first successful acute stroke unit and has pioneered new approaches to diagnosing, treating and preventing strokes and dementia which have become standard practice.
Western neuroscientist rewarded for pioneering research
May 8, 2018
Vladimir Hachinski won the 2018 Killam Prize for health sciences, an award that recognizes enterprising researchers who have made significant contributions to their field.
Folic Acid Cut Strokes in Hypertensive Patients on Enalapril
May 7, 2018
In an accompanying editorial, J. David Spence, MD, and Vladimir Hachinski, MD, both of Western University in London, Ontario, noted that in addition, "patients with lower platelet counts and higher homocysteine levels are more likely to have been at higher risk because they had vitamin B12 deficiency.
Destroying gut bacteria could help develop novel treatment to combat heart attacks
May 3, 2018
The gut microbiome plays an important role in an individual's risk for atherosclerosis, one of the major causes of heart attack and stroke, says a study.
Gut microbiome plays an important role in atherosclerosis
May 2, 2018
Researchers have shown a novel relationship between the intestinal microbiome and atherosclerosis, one of the major causes of heart attack and stroke. This was measured as the burden of plaque in the carotid arteries.
Why Living Near a Highway May Increase the Risk of Ischemic Stroke
April 17, 2018
Vladimir Hachinski, MD, FAAN, professor of neurology and epidemiology at Western Ontario University, said there is mounting evidence that air pollution is a significant risk factor for both stroke and dementia. Pollution generated by auto emissions has been going down, he said, but emissions involving volatile organic compounds found in items such as pesticides, cleaning agents, coatings, ink and personal products, are on the rise.
Six Health Care Pioneers Inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
April 12, 2018
Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) Inductees are individuals whose contributions have led to extraordinary improvements in human health. Their work may be a single outstanding contribution or a career of notable achievements. As trailblazers in their respective fields, these experts underpin Canada's role as a world-class leader in medicine and health sciences.
Research Moves Closer to a Treatment for CTE Brain Damage
January 22, 2018
Now, two different research groups have published work implicating a protein known as Tau in the development of CTE. Tangled masses of erroneously modified Tau proteins are associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS (Lou Gerig’s Disease). One of the new studies found that the version of Tau found in the brains of CTE patients is the same as the one involved in ALS.
Research uncovers new link between head trauma, CTE, and ALS
January 16, 2018
Researchers at Western University believe they have found a common link between the degenerative brain condition CTE, and a variant of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Research uncovers new link between head trauma, CTE, and ALS
January 15, 2018
Researchers at Western University believe they have found a common link between the degenerative brain condition CTE, and a variant of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Health Co-op director to receive Order of Canada (CNS Alumni Honored)
January 4, 2018
Dr. Tom Feasby, the medical director of the Airdrie and Area Health Benefits Co-operative (AAHBC) has been chosen to receive one of Canada’s greatest honours – he will be made a Member of the Order of Canada at a ceremony to be held in Ottawa later this year.
Della Reese, once saved by London’s Dr. Charles Drake, has died
November 21, 2017
Drake had pioneered life-saving brain aneurysm surgery and operated on her for five hours, using what became known as the Drake Clip on the aneurysm.
Canadian Medical Hall of Fame announces 2018 inductees
October 4, 2017
Dr. Vladimir Hachinski: The world-renowned neurologist has changed how the medical field understands, diagnoses, treats and prevents stroke and dementia.
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Honours Excellence in Health in Canada: Announcing the 2018 Inductees
October 3, 2017
Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, a world-renowned neurologist, has transformed the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the two greatest threats to the brain, stroke and dementia.
Announcing the 2018 Inductees
October 3, 2017
Dr. Bryce Taylor, Chair of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) announced today that Dr. Philip Berger, Dr. B. Brett Finlay, Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, Dr. Balfour Mount, Dr. Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg and the late Dr. Emily Stowe, have been selected for induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
Google searches for ‘solar eclipse headache’ spiked on Monday afternoon
August 22, 2017
The good news is, an eclipse headache is not a thing, says Dr. Paul Cooper, a neurology professor at Western University.
Spinal Cord Stimulation May Improve Gait in Patients With Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
August 16, 2017
Spinal cord stimulation improves gait in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease, according to a pilot study described at the 21st International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders.
Researchers close in on drugs for severe head injury, ALS
August 14th, 2017
New research from Western University links the symptoms of repeated head injuries and a degenerative neurological disorder.
LHSC receives $500,000 donation for new surgical robot
July 25, 2017
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has added a cutting-edge surgical robot to its Clinical Neurological Sciences Program (CNS) following a $500,000 donation from philanthropists Michael and Lilibeth Schlater.
Experience with epilepsy inspires Schlaters' latest $500K donation
July 21, 2017
Schlater and his wife Lilibeth, a Leamington couple who’ve given millions of dollars to charities in recent years, provided $500,000 for a new brain-surgery robot for the London Health Sciences Centre.Dominos CEO donates robot
July 19, 2017
Dominos Pizza of Canada chief executive Mike Schlater and his wife, Lilibeth. picked up the tab for the London Health Sciences Centre’s new brain-surgery robot, forking over a $500,000 donation Tuesday.
LHSC achieves surgery first thanks to $500,000 gift
July 18, 2017
The donation from Domino’s Pizza of Canada Ltd. CEO Michael Schlater and his wife Lilibeth has enabled LHSC to acquire leading-edge technology for the hospital’s Clinical Neurological Sciences (CNS) Program.
$500k donation to LHSC results in provincial-first in brain surgery
July 18, 2017
The funding, from the CEO of Domino’s Pizza of Canada Ltd. Michael Schlater and his wife Lilibeth, allowed for LHSC to acquire the Renishaw Neuromate, a surgical robot.
Renishaw robot helping neurosurgeons in Canada for the first time
June 21, 2017
“It is already noticeably faster and more accurate than the previous system. In addition, it allows us to plan trajectories previously impossible with a standard frame, making surgery safer and more accurate.”
LHSC’s new, robot-aided epilepsy diagnosis procedure offers early patient vital answers
June 14, 2017
““It’s really revolutionized the way we put the electrodes in,” said David Steven, a neurosurgeon and co-director of LHSC’s epilepsy program.”
London epilepsy patients first in Ontario to benefit from robot-assisted neurosurgery
June 14, 2017
“We’re now using two medical robots to assist in a single neurosurgery procedure,” said Steven. “For patients, this eliminates the need to have imaging done outside of the operating room and creates a more seamless surgical experience. As the country’s largest epilepsy program, we pride ourselves on looking for opportunities to improve the patient experience as we build on our rich history of firsts.”
Small Open-Label Study Finds Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Advanced PD
June 12, 2017
"These patients had Parkinson's for 15 to 20 years," said the senior author of the abstract, Mandar S. Jog, MD, professor of neurology at the University of Western Ontario and director of the National Parkinson Foundation Centre of Excellence at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario. "One of the patients was wheelchair-bound, and another was dependent on a scooter. They were getting up and walking around [after the SCS]."Black and Hispanic patients less likely to see neurologists
June 9, 2017
Black and Hispanic patients with neurologic disorders are less likely to see brain specialists than white people with these conditions, a recent U.S. study suggests.
Science Briefs: The best way to hit the target when throwing
May 5, 2017
"That's a pretty powerful one-two punch," said the study's co-supervisor, Dr Vladimir Hachinski. He added that more research is needed to better understand the link between stroke and dementia, but this work already suggests health policies relating to stroke and dementia can be coordinated.
Stroke prevention lifestyle may reduce dementia risk in golden years
May 2, 2017
Canadian researchers have found that adopting stroke prevention lifestyle may help in reducing incidence of dementia in older adults.
Peru, Canada Collaborate on Epilepsy Project
January 2017
In 2008, a collaborative effort between Peru and Canada was born. The purpose of this collaboration was to establish epilepsy surgery centers in Peru.
Stroke prevention may also reduce dementia
November 7, 2016
A new paper by researchers at Western University, Lawson Health Research Institute and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) shows there's been a decade-long drop in new diagnoses of both stroke and dementia in the most at-risk group -- those who are 80 or older.
Western dean leads fight against brain disease
January 21, 2016
Dr. Michael Strong of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is the point person for neurologists Ontario-wide who are building a toolkit of sorts they believe will help them predict who will be afflicted and how to detect disease sooner for more effective treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, frontotemporal lobar degeneration and vascular cognitive impairment.
