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 […]
Prof Dr Margie Sharpe
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 […]
Your neck bone is connected to your head bone: Understanding concussion and its knock-on effects
As a neuro-vestibular physiotherapist who has been treating people with the knock-on effects of mild traumatic brain injury for many decades, my view is our society is taking two steps forward and one step back when it comes to understanding concussion and putting proper safeguards and treatment regimes into place. And this is because our […]
Football codes are waking up to the danger of concussion in sport
As the dust settles on Grand Final season for both the National Rugby League and the Australian Football League, these football codes have a unique opportunity to take a firm stand on concussion in sport and implement important protections immediately. I have long argued (like a voice in the wilderness) for sports codes to take […]