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This page will be used to highlight news and research articles on conditions of the brain and spine. These might include groundbreaking research in the diagnosis or treatment of a condition or a new government initiative or health policy which may have an impact of people with neurological conditions. We will include a short summary of the news along with links to other sources of information. If you would like to suggest any news articles which you think may be of interest to our website readers please email the Helpline team.

New stroke guidelines

Two new stroke guidelines are now available to buy or download from the Royal College of Physicians website.

Headache: Updating GPs on the patient perspective

In the Spring 2007 issue of the New Generalist, published by the Royal College of General Practitioners, an article by the Brain and Spine Foundation describes how this field of neurology has changed dramatically over the past few years and how these changes have affected care. The article also outlines work that the Foundation is doing with the RCGP.

BMJ recommendation for Brain and Spine Web

In a recent Clinical Review on subarachnoid haemorrhage, published in the British Medical Journals, the Brain and Spine website was recommended as an important source of information for patients.

The role of a telephone helpline in provision of patient information

In a research paper published in the Nursing Standard (19 April 2006; vol 20; no 32), the Brain and Spine Helpline team explore why individuals contacted a telephone helpline specialising in neurological conditions and their level of satisfaction with the service.

Volunteers needed for subarachnoid haemorrhage research

Each year, the Brain and Spine Foundation receives hundreds of calls from people affected by a sub-arachnoid haemorrhage or brain aneurysm. People experience a wide range of problems afterwards which greatly affect their quality of life.

Surgeons attempt pioneering stem cell technique on spinal injuries

Neurosurgeons at the National Hospital in London are to attempt a potentially revolutionary stem cell technique on motorbike accident victims who have sustained spinal injuries.

BMJ reviews Brain and Spine Website

The Brain and Spine Website has been reviewed in the latest BMJ's Netlines section.

NICE to issue faster drugs guidance for NHS

NICE and the Department of Health have today announced that NICE is launching a new, rapid process for assessing drugs and other treatments to sit alongside its global standard process. The Single Technology Appraisal (STA) process will be used initially to produce faster guidance on life-saving drugs which have already been licensed and on new medicines close to when they first become available.

Information helps brain tumour patients cope

New research published in the British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing demonstrates that providing information to patients with newly diagnosed brain tumours (about their conditions) helps them cope with their diagnosis.

Health information on the web can help chronically ill

A recent study has found that using interactive websites can help people with long-term conditions.