In June 2023, Darren “Muddy” Laycock collapsed unexpectedly at home. He had suffered a fatal rupture from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) – a condition none of his loved ones had ever heard of until that terrible day. Darren was just 55 years old, and his...
Recently, a new research project was announced which has the potential to transform MS treatment. This research is led by Dr Jessica Fletcher, who previously received a Brain Foundation research grant in 2021....
Chris "Leafy" Taylor sadly died of a ruptured aneurysm in 2018 when he was 34 years old, leaving behind a wife and 2 small boys. In the wake of this tragedy, they learnt that these conditions have a familial link....
Kyan Armstrong was a 15 year old boy from Wagga Wagga who passed away unexpectedly due to a ruptured aneurysm in October 2022. Over the past two years, Kyan’s family, friends, and community have been grappling with this devastating loss. In the face of tragedy,...
Rebecca Gauci has lived with the impacts of acoustic neuroma since her diagnosis in August 2020. This disease has turned her life upside down, involving multiple rounds of complicated treatment and countless tests. She is still uncertain what the future holds....
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder caused by increased pressure inside the skull, causing symptoms such as headaches and vision changes. Hayley Witcombe-Keep has been living with IIH for about six years now, and she spoke to us about the way this disorder has...
Kyan Armstrong was a 15 year old boy from Wagga Wagga who passed away unexpectedly due to a ruptured aneurysm in October 2022. His family have since been trying to raise awareness about aneurysm in his memory, and raise funds for aneurysm research....
Kylie McKiernan was diagnosed with two brain tumours in 2021. Thankfully, they were able to be treated with radiation therapy, but she is still living with long-term complications following the treatment. She spoke to us about her experience, the unexpected challenges she faced, and what...
MEDIA RELEASE | February 22nd 2024: Australia is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of critical migraine prevention medication after months of supply outages impacting the lives of women across the country. ...
Steph Judd has focal hand dystonia, which she has lived with for nearly twenty years. Recently, she participated in a clinical trial for a new dystonia treatment, which was supported by the Brain Foundation. She spoke to us about her experience with dystonia, and what...
Brian Johnston sadly passed away from progressive nuclear palsy (PSP) in April 2023. PSP is a rare neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive lack of coordination, stiffness, cognitive dysfunction and difficulty moving....
Accessing specialised medical care in regional areas of Australia can be challenging, especially when it comes to neurology services. However, there are several options available to patients in rural and regional areas. This article covers some of the key questions about finding a neurologist in...
We are excited to announce that Brett Kearney has recently come on board as an ambassador for the Brain Foundation. You may know him better as “BK” - a nickname earned during his years playing rugby league, both in Australia and overseas....
Tyler James Osmond, aged 9 years, sadly passed away suddenly from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in 2021. Like so many people, his family hadn’t heard of an AVM before his tragic loss....
At the Brain Foundation, we fund research into many different types of brain diseases, disorders and injuries. We do our best to educate people about these conditions, but you might still have questions - for example, questions about NDIS access or finding a support group...
Brianna Ellem spoke to us about her experience with a brain injury caused by complications of Chiari malformation. She highlighted the impact that brain injury can have on your mental health, and the resources and supports she found helpful in recovery....
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes muscles in the body to contract or spasm involuntarily. Margot Chiverton has cervical dystonia, which affects the neck. She was a principal wind player with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for many years, and is now an active...
Disability is part of being human. Almost everyone will temporarily or permanently experience disability at some point in their life. But unfortunately, people living with disabilities still face barriers to access and experience mistreatment in society. Andrea Nunn has lived with disabilities and struggled with...
We are excited to announce the recipients of our 2021 research grant awards. These promising new projects are a testament to the talent, dedication, and curiosity of Australian researchers....
Locked-in Syndrome (LiS) is a rare neurological disorder. It acquired its name because patients lose most or all of their motor function, facial control, breathing, swallowing and speaking abilities. However, consciousness and cortical functions are preserved. Tracey Gibbs spoke to us about her experience living...
We are excited to announce the recipients of our 2021 research grant awards. These promising new projects are a testament to the talent, dedication, and curiosity of Australian researchers....
Our October e-newsletter includes all the latest updates from the Brain Foundation. Read about new research into dementia, upcoming fundraisers, resources from Migraine & Headache Awareness Week, and new articles we have released....
More than 1 in 10 Australians are registered organ donors, but did you know you can donate your brain for research? Brain donation programs are an essential part of research, but they are facing a number of threats in Australia. Even before COVID-19, these programs...
Neurological symptoms can be difficult to understand. They can include anything from dizziness and confusion, to muscle weakness and seizures, amongst many other symptoms. Your General Practitioner (GP) can sometimes diagnose and treat these problems – but in some cases they might suggest finding a...
Just like many brain disorders or diseases, aneurysms can irreversibly change a person’s life. Andy Carter experienced this in 2013, when she was diagnosed with three aneurysms and had to undergo surgery as part of her treatment. Her story of surviving an aneurysm explores the...
The Brain Foundation is dedicated to funding the next generation of Australian research into brain disorders, diseases, and injuries, with the ultimate goal of advancing diagnoses, treatments, and patient outcomes.
