If I were to ask you what was the most common cause of vertigo in adults, what would you say? If you answered, Vestibular Migraine, you’d be right. You’d also score bonus points if you went on to note that vestibular migraine is also seen in children and teenagers but sadly is not well understood […]
Prof Dr Margie Sharpe
Concussion policy is out of bounds on the full
I have been writing about the AFL concussion policy for some time now, but recent revelations that the league’s key concussion adviser, Dr Paul McCrory, has allegedly committed scientific plagiarism, has prompted me to raise some fundamental issues again, for the sake of AFL players and their families, along with all players of contact sports […]
Covid-19 inner ear infections affecting balance and hearing
Pandemic health measures have so far concentrated on mouths and noses but according to a new study, Covid-19 inner ear infections are quite possible and may lead to balance issues and hearing loss. As a neuro-vestibular physiotherapist, my interest is to raise understanding of audio-vestibular symptoms in Covid-19 patients and contribute to remedial and prevention […]
Domestic violence and brain injury consequences
As there is an awakening about head and neck trauma and concussion through sport injuries and in falls, there are a growing number of articles highlighting the link between family and domestic violence and brain injury. Most recently, Stuff, from New Zealand, published an article, Life-changing brain injuries in domestic violence survivors going unrecognised, which […]
Falls and concussions in the elderly: A health issue sidelined by sport
While I’m thrilled mild traumatic brain injury in sport is finally getting the attention it deserves, falls and concussion in the elderly is at risk of being lost in the shadows. I understand the drama of high impact collisions in sport does grab our attention and headlines quite readily, but there are many older Australians […]
Sport concussion awareness is growing: We are making a difference
I have been writing a lot about head injury lately, and it appears that contact sport concussion awareness is growing, albeit with some sobering caveats. The latest cause for optimism is the position taken by AFL general manager of football Brad Scott, who has been reported by the ABC as warning players that next season […]