THE Advance Hyperbaric Life-Support Inc. (AHLSI) is the largest and most advanced medical center offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the Philippines. Located at a home-like facility in Quezon City, the AHLSI provides a sophisticated state-of-the-art technology for the treatment of chronic diseases, such as diving-related sicknesses, nonhealing diabetic wounds, stroke, TBI, sports injuries and carbon-monoxide poisoning, among others. The AHLSI, headed by Dr. Jose R. Bernardo and Jesus O. Co, is the only medical center across the archipelago with a state-of-the-art walk-in multiplace HBOT chamber, where patients can sit and relax while undergoing hyperbaric therapy. The HBOT, which originated from the scuba-diving community, involves the breathing of 100-percent medical-grade oxygen in a pressurized chamber. By inhaling this pressurized oxygen, the ambient pressure inside the body increased more than 10 times higher than normal air pressure. Thus, the HBOT enables the patients lungs and plasma to absorb more oxygen to infiltrate all tissues and cells in the body, which, in turn, enhances activity of white blood cells and immune system to fight infection and other health disorders. Aside from this, it is also proven to increase growth of stem cells, which are crucial to injury repair. The HBOT, said Dr. … Continue reading →

Bethesda, Md. The brains of men and women are wired differently, and when it comes to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), women are more likely to develop subsequent neuropsychiatric disorders, like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Until now, its been unclear why that is, but a new study by researchers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) provides that missing link a potentially disrupted pathway in the brain. The study, Sex-dependent effects of mild brain blast injury on neuroendocrine stress response, was funded by the Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine at USU. The findings will be presented at the upcoming Endocrine Societys annual meeting by lead author Ashley Russell, a Neuroscience PhD candidate in the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at USU, and USU research assistant Elizabeth Shupe. Almost every tissue in the body is affected by the interaction between the nervous and endocrine systems. They produce the hormones that regulate sleep, mood and metabolism. USU researchers, in collaboration with colleagues at Colorado State University, sought to better understand why it is that blast brain injuries have a different impact on women and men, specifically in the neuroendocrine system. They conducted hormonal, behavioral and anatomical … Continue reading →

This new study confirms Avanir's intention to continue investing in the development of AVP-786. Avanir is also studying AVP-786 in clinical trials for residual schizophrenia and agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease. "Our focus at Avanir is on the symptoms of nervous system diseases that often have no other treatment options and that create significant additional burden for patients, families and caregivers," added Dr. Malamut. About AVP-786AVP-786 is a novel, next-generation investigational drug product consisting of a combination of deudextromethorphan (an uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, sigma-1 receptor agonist and inhibitor of the serotonin (SERT) and norepinephrine (NET) transporters), and an ultra-low dose of quinidine. Incorporation of deuterium into the dextromethorphan molecule has been shown to reduce first-pass liver metabolism. By having a lower rate of metabolism, deudextromethorphan requires an ultra-low dose of quinidine (an inhibitor of the enzyme CYP 2D6) in the AVP-786 formulation. This may result in a reduced potential for drug interactions and cardiac effects. AVP-786 is an investigational drug not approved by the FDA. AboutAvanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing innovative medicines to patients with central nervous system disorders of high unmet medical need. As part of our commitment, we have extensively … Continue reading →

June 6, 2017 by Travis Wearne, The Conversation People with traumatic brain injuries, say after a car accident or an assault, can have behavioural problems long after their physical injuries have healed. Credit: http://www.shutterstock.com Adam was fortunate to survive a major car accident three years ago. He was in hospital for several months but had no ongoing physical injuries. He looked like he made a full recovery. But he was argumentative, childish, vulgar and his family said he "was not the same person". Adam had a severe traumatic brain injury. What is traumatic brain injury? A traumatic brain injury is when the brain is damaged by an external mechanical force, like the type you may have in a car accident, if you fall, play sport or if you are assaulted. These injuries are usually in the news when sports players have a concussion; or in relation to drug and alcohol fuelled assaults where a blow to the head results in a damaging, sometimes fatal, fall to the ground (the coward's punch or king hit). Mostly, it's young adults, particularly men, who are affected. But many elderly people may get a traumatic brain injury when they fall. Australia has a growing … Continue reading →

Citing increased competition,decreased occupancy and financial issues, the Crotched Mountain Foundations Board of Trustees voted Monday to close the Crotched Mountain Specialty Hospital. David Johnson, director of marketing at Crotched Mountain, saidthe hospital, which focuses on neuro-rehabilitation for people with brain injuries among other conditions, is projected to cease operations by Aug. 31. Johnson said if the board hadnt made the decision to close the specialty hospitals doors, it would have lost $4.8 million this year. On a whole, the foundation has had to absorb a $20 million loss because of thespecialty hospital. And you just cant absorb that, Johnson said. Its just an unsustainable operation. The hospital currently serves 30 patients, who will all have to be moved elsewhere in order to receive the treatment they need. Our priority is to discharge outpatients safely and smoothly, Johnson said soon after the decision was made. And well work with families, and guardians to make sure its as smooth as possible. The closure will also leave about 130 staff members in flux, according to Johnson. The foundation employs about 1,100 people, meaning the closure will affect about 12 percent of its workforce. This decision was not made lightly, Michael Coughlin, president … Continue reading →