Annual Report 2008-09 - Austin Health

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Epilepsy research at Austin Health includes research teams from The University of Melbourne and the Brain Research Institute working together to better understand the causes and treatment of epilepsy. The Epilepsy Research Centre conducts internationally recognised research into the genetics of epilepsy; imaging techniques looking at both the structure of the brain and how it works; and the surgical treatment and psychological aspects of epilepsy. This research is integrated into world-leading patient care that draws on the expertise of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, psychiatrists, nurses, EEG technicians, neurophysiologists and researchers. All in the mind – unlocking the mystery of epilepsy > Laureate Professor Samuel Berkovic AM Australia leads the world in research into the genetics of epilepsy, and Austin Health’s Professor Samuel Berkovic, clinical neurologist, is at the forefront. His genetic research has led to advances in patient care, as well as the adoption of new concepts in understanding and researching the condition. “An epileptic seizure is a disruption in the communication between the brain’s nerve cells, which is via little electrical and chemical signals,” he said. “During a seizure there is an uncontrolled burst of abnormal electrical activity that could be likened to a brain storm.” Most seizures are brief, and a recovery period of up to a day is common. For a person with regular seizures, the condition has a devastating effect on their confidence and quality of life. Leading an expert team in the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Austin Health, Prof Berkovic’s discovery of the first epilepsy gene was a major breakthrough. The discovery led to a series of others, and proved that many types of epilepsy are genetic or the result of inherited changes in ion channels in the brain. His research has contributed to a great increase in the knowledge about the inheritance of the condition and its fundamental causes. Because of his work, more accurate diagnosis, treatment and counselling is now available to people with epilepsy, who number around one or two per cent of the population. “By researching and understanding the genes that cause epilepsy, and there are several, we can improve therapies and treatments for our patients,” said Prof Berkovic. Prof Berkovic’s motivation for his research is driven by his intrigue with the brain as an electrical organ. His first job, at the Austin Hospital as a neurology intern in 1978, brought him under the influence of the founder of the neurology unit, Dr Peter Bladin. Dr Bladin’s passion for epilepsy inspired the young doctor, whose prodigious work ethic has brought him international acclaim for his achievements. Now as a senior clinical neurologist and Laureate Professor in the Department of Medicine at The University of Melbourne, students of the highest calibre travel from across the world to work with his team of first-rate neurologists. Epilepsy patients too travel to the Austin Hospital from all over the southern hemisphere, so the students are exposed to the most acute and complex epilepsy patients. 4 Austin Health : 2008-09 ANNUAL REPORT
The team’s genetic research contributes to knowledge that is fundamental to the biology of epilepsy and in understanding how and why a ‘brain storm’ or a seizure develops. The electrical activity in a patient’s brain is recorded by an electroencephalogram (EEG). The EEG recording shows rhythmical electrical activity, often called brain waves. The brain waves may be normal or show abnormalities in certain regions. For researchers, the challenge lies in understanding the cause of the brain’s activity. Compared to his experience as a young doctor at Austin Hospital, Prof Berkovic is excited about the technology that is now available for genetic studies. “The research environment has come a long way in twenty years,” he said. “The revolution in genetic technology and knowledge, exemplified by the Human Genome Project, has allowed unprecedented insights into human disease. For people with epilepsy, I believe we are working towards a far greater understanding that will give our patients more confidence and control over the lives.” Hear Prof Berkovic speaking to Prof Jeffrey Zajac about epilepsy at www.austin.org.au/podcasts Pictured above: Laureate Prof Samuel Berkovic AM in the Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne at Austin Health’s genetics laboratory, John Damiano, research assistant, Dr Kheng Seang, neurology registrar and Dr Todor Arsov, senior research fellow. Prof Samuel Berkovic is director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Austin Health, Director of the Epilepsy Research Centre and Scientific Director of the Brain Research Institute. He holds a personal Chair in the Department of Medicine, Austin Health at The University of Melbourne and is an adjunct Chair in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. He is the author of over 300 peerreviewed papers, and is on the advisory board of Brain and the editorial board of Epileptic Disorders. Prof Berkovic’s most notable recognition was his election to the Royal Society in 2007. Others include: Member of the Order of Australia, 2005; Research Medal for Scientific Research in Human Health, The Royal Society of Victoria, 2006; Distinguished Scientist Award, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, 2002 Austin Health : 2008-09 ANNUAL REPORT 5
Page 1 and 2: Annual Report 2008-09 TURNING SCIEN
Page 3 and 4: To provide our patients with the be
Page 5: PERCENTAGE OF TIME AMBULANCES WERE
Page 9 and 10: The ongoing development and upgrade
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Page 13 and 14: Mr Stephen Kerr Ms Joe Manton Ms Jo
Page 15 and 16: this will defend them against the r
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Page 21 and 22: Prof Seeman’s boundless enthusias
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Page 25 and 26: Research Austin Health’s culture
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Page 41 and 42: Fundraising Austin Health’s world
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Page 47 and 48: SCHOLARSHIPS Dr Ali Al-Fiadh Nation
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Statement of Priorities Part B: Per
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Disclosure Index The annual report
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Annual Report 2008-09 - Austin Health

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