Briz Brain & Spine

26/05/2026

A breakthrough study has shown that scientists were able to reverse memory loss in dementia-like mice by recharging the brain’s tiny energy engines - the mitochondria.

By boosting these energy producers, researchers restored memory performance, hinting at a powerful new direction for future Alzheimer’s treatments.

It’s early-stage research, but the idea is bold: memory loss may come not only from dying brain cells, but from living neurons running low on energy. Re energising them could open the door to new therapies. Read more:

Researchers have shown for the first time that malfunctioning mitochondria — the cell’s energy generators — may directly cause cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases. By creating a new tool that temporarily boosts mitochondrial activity in the brain, scientists restored memory perform...

19/05/2026

Inside the Brain & Spine: Pain isn’t just felt in your body - it’s interpreted by your brain. Your spinal cord sends pain signals to the brain, where the somatosensory cortex - the area responsible for processing touch, pain, and sensation - helps determine the location, intensity and type of pain. That’s why pain can feel sharp, dull, burning, or even occur in a limb that’s no longer there. Pain may start in the body, but the brain determines how it is experienced.

06/05/2026

Inside the Brain & Spine: Referred pain can be confusing — it’s when pain is felt in a different part of the body to where the problem actually is. For example, a pinched nerve in the spine may cause pain in the arm or leg. This happens because nerves share common pathways to the brain, making it difficult to pinpoint the true source. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may involve physiotherapy, medication, or targeted procedures. Understanding referred pain helps guide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

01/05/2026

Today is World Ankylosing Spondylitis Awareness Day - a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine. Often mistaken for “just back pain,” this condition can cause persistent pain, stiffness, fatigue and reduced mobility - with impacts that go far beyond what’s visible. Today is an opportunity to recognise the experiences of those living with ankylosing spondylitis and to shine a light on a condition that is still widely misunderstood. Find out more: https://muscha.org/tag/ankylosing-spondylitis/

29/04/2026

What happens when you say yes to surgery? Do you know what myelopathy is? And just how do you do keep your balance? You can find the answers to these questions and more in our latest newsletter!
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24/04/2026

Lest We Forget

21/04/2026

We all know that exercise is good for the body. But its impact on the brain is just as powerful. Decades of research show that physical activity triggers a cascade of changes in the brain, boosting key chemicals that support memory, learning and overall brain health. It can even promote the growth of new neurons and strengthen the connections between them. The result? Better focus, improved mood and sharper thinking. The sweet spot appears to be moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. but the bottom line is simple - every bit of movement counts. Read more:

A cascade of beneficial effects hits the brain during exercise — with new data on strength training. Helping your patients understand it can be a powerful motivator.

14/04/2026

Inside the Brain & Spine – For most people, walking feels effortless once you’ve mastered it, but it’s a different matter behind the scenes. Your brain gives the command, yet it’s your spinal cord that runs the show.

Deep in the lower spine are Central Pattern Generators (CPGs) - neural circuits that create the rhythm of stepping by switching flexor and extensor muscles on and off. Once the brain says “go,” these circuits handle timing, coordination, and left-right balance automatically. With every step, your spinal cord fine tunes your stride using sensory feedback from your legs, helping you adapt to uneven ground without conscious thought.

A remarkably complex system - working flawlessly every time you move.

09/04/2026

Let’s Spark the Night! On World Parkinson’s Day, communities around the globe will light up blue to honour the 12 million people living with Parkinson’s — the world’s fastest growing neurological condition.

Tonight in Brisbane, several landmarks will glow in support of the 150,000 Australians living with the disease. It’s a moment to stand together, raise visibility and show that no one faces Parkinson’s alone.

Shine bright. Stand united.

07/04/2026

Inside the brain & spine - you’ve been invited to speak at a public event. The emcee introduces you, the crowd applauds, the spotlight hits…you open your mouth and nothing comes out. You freeze.

Why does this happen? It’s called an amygdala hijack - when the brain’s fear centre overrides your rational thinking. The amygdala, our built-in threat detector, floods the body with adrenaline and cortisol, triggering a “fight, flight or freeze” response. At the same time, it shuts down the prefrontal cortex - the part responsible for memory and clear thinking - leaving you with a racing heart, a blank mind and that classic deer-in-the-headlights feeling.

The good news? You can regain control. A few slow breaths, a sip of water, even a light joke can help calm the response and bring your thinking brain back online. It was just a dramatic pause, right?