2019

Alive inside: How do we reach 'vegetative' patients when tests show they're aware of everything
December 23, 2019
The Western University scientist has used fMRI to help people once diagnosed “vegetative” follow commands, acknowledge where they are and with whom, and answer questions like, “are you in pain,” by decoding their brain activity.

Behavioural research gets boost with first open-access database
December 18, 2019
Neuroscience researchers at Western University have developed the first open-access repository for raw data from mouse cognitive testing. Called MouseBytes, the database gives researchers a platform to share rodent cognition data using touchscreen cognitive testing with labs around the world. It is supported by Western’s BrainsCAN, and built on previous funding from the Weston Brain Institute.

Scientists Sharpen Focus Into Genetic Link to Parkinson Inflammation
September 26, 2019
Canadian researchers think mutations in 1 gene are likely responsible for an increased risk of Parkinson disease (PD), as well as Crohn and leprosy, according to results of an animal study published this week in Science Translational Medicine. The leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) gene has been linked with PD, leprosy, and Crohn, which all share inflammation as a common factor. LRRK2 is mutated in about 2% of patients with PD.

Announcement: Dr. Christopher Watling appointed Director, Centre for Education Research & Innovation
September 10, 2019
Dr. Christopher Watling has been appointed Director for the Centre for Education Research & Innovation (CERI) at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University for a five-year term effective January 1, 2020.

Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre performs first paediatric robot-assisted neurosurgery in Ontario
August 07, 2019
A London youth was the first paediatric patient in Ontario to receive a robot-assisted stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) procedure that was performed by the Paediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

Award: Dr. David Spence named to the Order of Canada
July 09, 2019
Please join us in congratulating Dr. David Spence on his appointment to the Order of Canada. This award is one of our country's highest honours and recognizes a lifetime of distinguished service.

Funding received for brain research leading to peace of mind
April 25, 2019
The Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences receives $12,000 dollar donation in support of brain cancer research.

Computer program could help track progress of brain-injured patients after release from ICU, study finds
April 12, 2019
Many patients experience mental fog or difficulty concentrating after they are treated in hospital intensive care units, even when their illnesses or injuries are not brain related. And according to the authors of a new study, these cognitive problems are more common than previously thought.

Celebrating Faculty Acheivements
April 10, 2019
Congratulations to faculty from the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences on their recent achievements.

London hospitals to help design future of medical imaging
March 12, 2019
London hospitals and research teams have come together with Canon Medical in an effort to advance medical imaging technology and improve patient care. Seven of Canon Medical's newest and most advanced Computed Tomography (CT) scanners are coming to London. CT is used to provide critical diagnostic information, incorporating thousands of ultra low-dose, high-resolution x-ray images to create complete images of the body and its organs. Dr. Narinder Paul is chief of the Department of Medical Imaging at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine, LHSC and St. Joseph’s and says, “We will help them design the imaging equipment of the future that our patients need, driven by our understanding of what our patients need. And they will invest in London to help us do that process."

Reconnecting with alumni for International Women's Day
March 08, 2019
CNS alumni, Dr. Navjot Chaudhary and Dr. Amparo Wolf have gone from neurosurgery residents to international role models.

Spinal Cord is 'smarter' than previously thought
February 11, 2019
New research has shown that the spinal cord is able to process and control complex functions, like the positioning of your hand in external space. 'This research has shown that a least one important function is being done at the level of the spinal cord and it opens up a whole new area of investigation.

Let's Talk: Resident mental health and wellness
January 30, 2019
A recent Canadian Medical Association survey with more than 2,500 physicians and 400 resident doctors across the country found that residents are the most vulnerable to develop depression and burnout. Dr. Caroline Just shares her take as a neurology resident in the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences.