News Archive

Medical research experts will come together in Perth this Friday, September 19, to present exciting new work into repairing brain and spinal cord injuries.

The Symposium of Western Australian Neuroscience (SWAN) is a one day scientific meeting that promotes exchange between researchers and clinicians in Perth.

Speakers this year will address the themes of "Repair and Renew" with a focus on how the adult nervous system (brain and spinal cord) responds to injury and the strategies that are being developed to promote repair. Presentations will also focus on the brain's endogenous ability to renew itself.

The impact of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a powerful new treatment for movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, will be presented by Luke Wilmot and his Neurologist Dr Julian Rodrigues.

After being diagnosed with a devastating neurological disease called Generalised Dystonia, Luke Wilmot became confined to a wheelchair for most of his teenage years.

Luke was the subject of an ABC Catalyst program last year when he underwent the radical new surgical procedure that changed his life.

The treatment whereby a small electrode is implanted in the brain, has provided remarkable therapeutic benefits for otherwise treatment-resistant movement and affective disorders.

Guest speaker Professor Brian Key from The University of Queensland will present a seminar entitled:  "Constructing and rebuilding the plastic olfactory brain".

Additional topics covered by local scientists will address themes of neuropathic pain, tinnitus, pheromones, neuromuscular disorders and alternative treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

The Symposium will be held at The Niche, Neurological Council of WA, Aberdare Road, Nedlands.

Media references

Bernadette Majda (UWA conference organiser)
( [email protected] )  (+61 4) 14 632 209
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716