Understanding the brain and the person behind it
A broader view of neurological conditions is reflected in the brain-health research at the NWU.
Prof. Greg Lamb, a paediatric neurologist at the North-West University's Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP), understands the brain through the personal experience of caring for his adopted sister who suffers from severe neurological conditions. This close perspective has shaped his approach to neurology, moving it away from "academic chest-thumping" and towards working directly with families who care for children with neurological challenges.
The broader impact of these conditions on entire families is reflected in the brain-health research initiatives at the NWU. The NeuroThrive Brain Health initiative conducts studies in real-world settings, examining neurological function during everyday activities like playing and building with LEGO, as well as investigating early concussion detection through acoustic reflex and acoustic immittance tests.
For Prof. Lamb, understanding concussion in children is critical, as the injury's effects can extend far beyond the sports field, affecting areas such as learning, communication, hearing, executive functioning, mood, and everyday participation. The research aims to develop holistic approaches to concussion care, involving various disciplines and potentially using portable equipment for earlier detection.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
