Topics:
Presenter:
Professor Alan Brichta
University of Newcastle
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Topic: Insights into the Vestibular System
His recent studies have focused on vestibular hair cells of the inner ear and their complex relationship with closely associated nerve fibres.
Alan Brichta is a neurobiologist with research interests in the anatomy and physiology of peripheral and central vestibular system. In particular, his studies have focused on vestibular hair cells and their associated primary afferents and has recently developed an isolated preparation of the mouse inner ear to study these unusual cellular components. This approach allows stable, high-resolution, intracellular recordings whilst the tissue undergoes near 'natural' (mechanical), rather than artificial (electrical) stimulation. Results from these studies are helping us understand the cellular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal function associated with the peripheral vestibular apparatus. In addition, Dr. Brichta is studying vestibular nucleus neurons in the brainstem that are the major recipients of transmitted vestibular organ output. These regions are thought to be highly modifiable and may prove to be ideal targets for rational therapeutic strategies aimed at treating balance disorders. Dr. Brichta was awarded a prestigious five year Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation Senior/Principal Research Fellowship.
Presenter:
Associate Professor Rebecca Lim,
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy (Anatomy)
The University of Newcastle
Dr Rebecca Lim is a Senior Lecturer and chief investigator who is primarily interested in balance and the vestibular system. She also has a strong background in auditory (hearing) research, which involves neighbouring regions in the inner ear and brain stem.
Rebecca's most recent work has focused on the function of central vestibular neurons in the brainstem that go on to influence spinal motoneuron and postural muscle activity. In addition, she also leads an NHMRC-funded study that aims to characterise the anatomical and functional development of vestibular hair cells and primary afferent neurons.
Rebecca uses fluorescent immunolabeling paired with cutting-edge microscopy to study the expression of synaptic and neuronal proteins within the inner ear and brain. Like Professor Alan Brichta, she collaborates closely with vestibular experts worldwide as well as other HMRI-affiliated neuroscientists. Lim is currently supervising multiple PhD students, and is the course coordinator of Anatomy for the Biomedical Sciences. Notably, Rebecca is also a faculty member of the Australian Course in Advanced Neuroscience (ACAN), a technical training course for early career neuroscience researchers.
How does 'basic science' research – the study of single cells, receptors and neuronal circuits – contribute to the improvement of clinical outcomes for patients with vestibular dysfunction?
Balance is a complex multifaceted sense, comprising sensory hair cells that detect motion, nerve fibres that transmit information to (and from) the brain, and vestibular neurons that process motion signals. Together these components evoke reflexes to maintain visual, postural, and gait stabilisation.
We are still learning how the individual components of the vestibular system interact under normal conditions. This is the first step. Once we know how the normal system works, we go to the next step, and begin to determine the underlying causes of vestibular disorders and develop therapies to minimise the impact of loss of balance function.
Links:
Prof Brichta: https://youtu.be/pqQambpv5hk?si=V8elqdO4ZyUZ7a2o
Assoc Prof Rebecca Lim: https://youtu.be/av_hPxDcDbk
Here are the links re the presentation by Prof Jose Antonio Lopez Escamez as follows:
This link will take you to videos by experts in their field. Below are some of the videos you can watch, plus more
Go to YouTube: Meniere's Support Group - Dizzy Anne
Associate Professor Rob Eisenberg
A/Prof Rob Eisenberg has extensive experience over a broad spectrum of surgical interests ranging from hearing and skull base surgery to thyroid and parathyroid surgery, rhinoplasty and head and neck cancer reconstruction.
As discipline lead for the University of Newcastle A/Prof Eisenberg runs the Temporal Bone Laboratory and collaborates closely with academics doing world leading research into hearing loss, dementia, balance disorders and implants.
A/Prof Eisenberg has been instrumental in establishing the microvascular Head and Neck reconstructive unit in the Hunter region enabling surgery for patients with more extensive cancers since 2002. As previous Department Head of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery he drove expansion of decentralised services to the Hunter-New England region and development of the Newcastle Head and Neck multidisciplinary team and clinic. In 2011 A/Prof Eisenberg instigated the HANCS Club(Head and Neck cancer Social Club) which was the first club of its kind, empowering head and neck cancer patients to take control and move on with their lives after treatment.
A/Prof Eisenberg established the HNE Skull Base Tumour Board which he currently chairs providing a world class multidisciplinary approach to this challenging area. He also chairs the Subcommittee for Indigenous Outreach of the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery for the Royal Australian College of Surgeons which is attempting to create a national body to improve outcomes by coordination of Indigenous ENT outreach.
Link:
Brain Fog
What it is, causes, associated conditions and ways to manage it
Links:
with narration:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jessica+povall
without narration:
https://youtu.be/xtpY9Biusqo?si=DD0syDcBSEXmLNc-
Dr Povall:
· Completed her doctorate of physiotherapy at Boston University (USA), after completing her bachelors in kinesiology.
· She has 12+ clinical years’ experience working in the USA, New Zealand and in Australia.
Other Specific areas of clinical focus:
• Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)
• Concussion
• Persistent Pain
• Autonomic Dysregulation
• Vestibular Rehabilitation
Jason King is an ESSA Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Advance Rehab Centre (ARC) and has videod the benefits of Nordic walking for a variety of health conditions including Ménière's disease and other vestibular disorders.
In this video Jason has filmed the correct technique of Nordic Walking and compares it to regular walking.
His video is interesting, informative and food for thought for introducing something new into your exercise regime.
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions which I will pass on.
Q&A with five dizzies at various stages of their Journey
Bridgena, the moderator, questions the five panel members at various stages of their Meniere’s Journey- 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 28 years and 33 years.
The questions asked focused on work, relationships, lifestyle changes, exercise and mental health.
We learn so much from their positive approach and attitude to living the best life they can, their new experiences and what it has taught them about themselves.
Who better to learn from than those living it.
Here is the link:
https://youtu.be/bcWzFVQNtD8
Dr Sean Flanagan
Dr Sean Flanagan is a renowned ENT. Sean is a dual fellowship trained ENT surgeon (otolaryngology head and neck surgery), sub-specialising in diseases of the ear, tumours of the skull base and in surgical correction of hearing loss including cochlear implantation and bone anchored hearing aids. He is equally comfortable in the management of paediatric ENT disorders.
More information can be found on:
https://sydneyentclinic.com/sean-flanagan/about/
Hosted by: Dr Celene McNeill Director, Healthy Hearing & Balance Care
Healthy Hearing & Balance Care is a private independent audiology practice.
Director Dr Celene McNeill leads a skilled and professional team focused on providing customised strategies for the prevention, assessment and rehabilitation of all hearing and balance disorders of children, adults and the elderly.
https://www.healthyhearing.com.au
Video: https://youtu.be/z2SxBkYXMYE
Dr Emma Laird is a researcher, educator, and audiologist at Soundfair. Her research interests focus on client mental health and illness within audiological rehabilitation and how to implement psychologically informed practice into hearing healthcare. Emma Laird is also trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mental Health First Aid.
Copyright - Anne Elias - All Rights Reserved.