Briz Brain & Spine

20/08/2025

Super Spine Stuff - Did you know your lumbar spine (aka the lower back) is the strongest part of your spine? Made up of five big vertebrae (L1–L5), it carries the weight of your entire upper body while giving you the power to bend, lift, and twist. These sturdy bones also protect the spinal cord nerves that control your legs. But here’s the catch: because your lumbar spine does so much heavy lifting, it’s also the most common source of back pain. So next time you pick up the groceries, thank your lumbar spine for being your built-in powerhouse!

12/08/2025

The clinic will be closed for the EKKA public holiday on Wednesday, 13 August. Phones will still be answered between 8:30am - 4:30pm should you have any queries or wish to make an appointment. Alternatively, please visit our website: www.brizbrain.com.au.

06/08/2025

August marks - a time to celebrate the innovation, dedication and purpose that define neurosurgical care. This year’s theme, “We are Neurosurgery: Every Patient. One Purpose.”, reminds us that every role matters and every patient drives us forward. Join us in raising awareness for brain and spine health and showing solidarity with those on the path to recovery.

29/07/2025

Super Spine Stuff – Did you know your cervical spine (aka your neck) is the most mobile part of your entire spine? The seven cervical vertebrae let’s you nod, twist, and tilt with ease - all while supporting your 5kg head! Here’s the real kicker: early 50% of all your head rotation happens between just two tiny bones - C1 (the Atlas) and C2 (the Axis). But with great flexibility comes vulnerability - your cervical spine is the most vulnerable part of your spine due to its flexibility and weight of your head. So next time you turn your head to check your blind spot, thank your neck for doing the heavy lifting!

23/07/2025

Neurosurgeon Dr Terry Coyne and neurologist Prof Peter Silburn recently performed their 1,350th Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedure - but this one was extra special. For the first time in the Asia-Pacific, the world’s smallest rechargeable and remotely programmable DBS device was implanted right here in Brisbane. With just WiFi and a phone app, patients can now connect with their medical team who can reprogram the system from anywhere in the world. Brisbane grandmother Carmen, diagnosed with Parkinson’s 20 years ago, said her symptoms improved almost instantly. While results vary, this marks a huge step forward in personalised neurosurgical care. Learn more: https://standrewshospital.com.au/about-us/news/news-listing/2025/06/26/st-andrew-s-war-memorial-hospital-implants-the-smallest-rechargeable-remotely-programmable-deep-brain-stimulator-in-an-australian-first

21/07/2025

Neurological disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide. With increased awareness, we can take steps toward earlier detection, better outcomes, and improved brain health for every stage of life. That’s why this year’s World Brain Day theme - Brain Health for All Ages - is so important. Help us raise global awareness. Register for tonight’s free webinar to learn more: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_63KVbsCFSIC6GvKFqeqyGA

16/07/2025

Groundbreaking research from QIMR Berghofer and The Francis Crick Institute has uncovered ancient cellular secrets hidden within brain stem cells - offering new hope for treating brain cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. These specialised cells can enter and exit a deep resting state known as quiescence - an evolutionary survival mechanism dating back to early life forms. By learning how to control this “sleep mode,” scientists may soon be able to wake dormant cancer cells to make them vulnerable to treatment - or keep them asleep to prevent brain tumour regrowth. This breakthrough could pave the way for smarter, safer stem-cell therapies, potentially reversing damage from conditions like glioblastoma, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Stay tuned - clinical trials may soon explore how these ancient cellular signals can be harnessed to engineer the next generation of brain therapies.

Scientists unlock ancient cellular wisdom of brain stem cells, offering hope for brain cancer and degenerative disease Researchers from QIMR Berghofer in collaborat ion with the Francis Crick Institute, have unlocked the secrets of how brain stem cells enter and exit a resting state called

09/07/2025

Super Spine Stuff – Your spine isn’t just one long column - it’s made up of three distinct sections. Sitting right in the middle is the thoracic spine and it’s doing more than you might think! Running from the base of your neck to the bottom of your ribs, this section contains 12 vertebrae (T1 - T12) and is the largest part of your spine. It has four important roles: protects your spinal cord and nerves; supports and anchors your ribs; shields vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, and small intestine; and allows your body to bend and twist. It’s strong, flexible and always has your back – literally!

02/07/2025

Have you ever wondered about how spine surgery developed? Perhaps you want to know more about ependymomas. Or maybe you’re curious about the future of medical robots…
Read all about this and more in our latest newsletter!

24/06/2025

Super Spine Stuff – Did you know that the animal with the most vertebrae is the Snipe Eel - with over 750 spine bones? Most snakes have 200 - 400, while the mammal record-holder, the Pangolin, has 46 - 47. Humans average 33. And at the tiny end of the scale? Meet the Paedophryne amanuensis – an itty-bitty frog smaller than a housefly with just 7 vertebrae! From strength and flexibility to protection and movement, spines are one of evolution’s most remarkable creations!
Frog photo credit: DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0029797

17/06/2025

Super Spine Stuff – your intervertebral discs aren’t just squishy spacers – they’re engineering masterpieces! Located from C2-3 to L5-S1 (neck to tailbone), these discs are mostly avascular with the outer rim sipping its nutrients from nearby blood vessels. At the centre is the nucleus pulposus - a jelly-like, collagen-rich cushion that absorbs daily pressure like a shock absorber. Around that is the anulus fibrosus – a rugged, tyre-like ring of collagen layers built for strength, rotation and to keep the nucleus contained. The disc’s outer edges link up with the spine’s major ligaments, forming a powerful structural support system. Fun fact – these discs make up around 25% of your spine’s height. And yes, you’re taller after a good night’s sleep. Why? Discs rehydrate when you lie down but as you move around during the day, gravity squeezes that fluid out so you literally shrink a little by bedtime. Now that’s a daily plot twist!

11/06/2025

Rainy skies didn’t dampen spirits at our annual GP Education Conference held in late May! Nearly 100 dedicated GPs braved the wet weather to attend a day of insightful learning, focusing on the latest treatment algorithms for neurosurgical and spinal conditions. Delegates gained valuable updates on diagnosing and managing complex brain and spine cases from leading specialists in the field. A standout moment of the day was hearing from the inspiring Matthew Ames, who shared his remarkable journey of resilience and recovery after becoming a quadruple amputee due to sepsis 12 years ago. His powerful story left a lasting impact on everyone in the room. Thank you to all who joined us for an unforgettable day of learning, connection, and inspiration!