Neurological Council of WA

16/10/2025

🔦 Condition spotlight: Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

If you've never heard of Multiple System Atrophy (also known as MSA), it may be because it's such a rare neurological condition - affecting only around five people in every 100,000.

But raising awareness for this condition is vital, as earlier recognition of symptoms and diagnosis can mean more opportunity for better planning, access to therapies and more time to adjust before mobility is lost.

Symptoms differ from person to person, but often include:

🧠Problems with balance and coordination
🧠Stiff or slow movements, similar to Parkinson’s
🧠Dizziness or fainting when standing (low blood pressure)
🧠Bladder urgency or incontinence
🧠Sleep disturbances, including acting out dreams (REM sleep behaviour disorder)
🧠Changes in speech and swallowing.

Our nurse-led NeuroCare program offers clinical oversight, moral support and system navigation help for those living with neurological conditions like MSA, just like our client Barry. You can read more about his journey and how he and his partner Nola found support through our NeuroCare program: https://ow.ly/IVU450X8XFe

Our NeuroNurse hotline is here to offer advice and support for anyone living with a neurological condition in WA:

📞 Call us on 1800 645 771

Diagnosed with rare neurological disorder Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Barry and his partner Nola faced delays, missteps and mounting challenges in finding the right support. Read their story of resilience, regional challenges and finding support through community neurological care.

15/10/2025

Who else is excited for Telethon weekend? 🎉

You can visit us at the Telethon7 Perth Family Festival this Sunday, from 10am - 4pm at the RAC Arena.

We've got a bunch of fun brain games and puzzles for the kids, plus our wonderful Community Neurological Nurses will be available to chat all things brain health, and how to optimise health and wellbeing for kids impacted by neuro conditions or symptoms through our NeuroKids program.

You'll find us at on Level 1 at the RAC Arena, inside the AMP Charity Zone - Block 6 👋✨

We'd love to see you there!

15/10/2025

It was wonderful to connect with so many of you at the City of Rockingham – Local Government Seniors and Carers Expo last week! Thank you so much for having us along.

Our NeuroCare Community Neurological Nurses, Shelley and Sue, enjoyed answering your questions and hearing your stories. These conversations serve as an important reminder of why community connection and accessible neurological support matter so much 💞

If you or someone you care for is living with a neurological condition or symptoms and needs support, our NeuroCare program is here to help.

Our experienced Community Neurological Nurses provide free, confidential information, advice and guidance — helping you navigate the health system, feel supported and connect with the right services at the right time.

📞 Call our NeuroCare TeleNurse Hotline on 1800 645 771 or learn more at neurologicalcouncil.com.au

14/10/2025

Our CEO, Etta Palumbo, was delighted to join Carers WA for their National Carers Week 2025 Sector Breakfast at Kings Park this morning. Carers WA CEO, Richard Newman, explained this year’s poignant theme, ‘You are one, know one or will be one,’ recognising over 3 million Australians who take on extra caring responsibilities for a family member or friend with disability, physical or mental health challenges. He also launched Carers WA’s campaign for a WA Carers Card. Australia's informal carers underpin the viability of the care and support sector. They make an enormous contribution to the Australian economy, valued at $77.9 billion in unpaid care, and experience significant socio‑economic costs including $15.3 billion in lost earnings and the added toll of financial hardship, physical and mental exhaustion, social isolation and neglecting their own needs.

Minister for Community Services, Hon Matthew Swinbourn, announced plans to develop a new WA Carers Strategy, which will be led by Dr Katrina Stratton MLC and was very well received.

Casey Beros, author of Next of Kin: What to Expect When You're Expecting to Care for Someone You Love, gave a heartfelt and practical presentation on navigating the complicated world of care as she reflected on her own challenging and rewarding journey caring for her much loved dad.

We were also treated to Noongar Lullabies from the Moorditj Maaman Men's Group. Thank you to Carers WA for your work supporting WA carers, and to Palliative Care WA and Chung Wah Community Care for sponsoring.

13/10/2025

Carer's Week is here - a time to recognise and celebrate the resilience and sacrifice of WA carer and the profound impact they have on both individuals and communities 💞

This year, our friends at Carers WA are calling for the establishment of a WA Carer Card Program, which would:

✅ Provide financial relief through concessions and subsidies
✅ Offer official identification
✅ Promote wellbeing and access to support services
✅ Align WA with other states like VIC and QLD that already have Carer Cards
✅ Raise community awareness of the vital role carers play

You can show your support and make a difference this Carer's Week by taking a moment to sign the petition for the establishment of a WA Carer Card ✏️

Head to www.carerswa.asn.au/wa-carer-card to sign today, and don't forget to share this post!

Sign the PetitionEmail Your Local MP Establishment of a WA Carer Card Did you know? An estimated 320,000 unpaid carers in Western Australia provide essential care to loved ones, saving the WA state government $6.9 billion annually. What a Carer Card would mean for WA carers: Recognition Financial re...

12/10/2025

📣🌿 Calling all South West families!

If your child is living with a neurological condition, you don’t have to navigate it alone. 💜

Our NeuroKids Paediatric Community Neurological Nurses are here to support children, teens and their families and carers across WA’s South West region - from Bunbury to Busselton and beyond.

We’re here to help you:
👩‍⚕️ Better understand your child’s condition and/or symptoms and how to manage
🤝 Connect with local health and support services
🏡 Access free, confidential nurse-led care through home visits and virtual consults

Whether you’re a parent or part of a child’s care team, our NeuroKids nurses are just a call away.

📞 1800 645 771
🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/thNS50X8WJ9

Because every child and their family deserves to feel supported and understood 💜

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day — a reminder that mental health matters for everyone, including those living with neurological conditions. 💚

Living with a neurological condition can be emotionally demanding - uncertainty, symptoms, and lifestyle changes can take a real toll on wellbeing and mental health. But with the right support, hope and strength can grow.

Our Community Neurological Nurses and NeuFriends peer support groups provide understanding, guidance and connection to help people manage both their neurological and mental health challenges.

💬 If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to our Neurocare TeleNurse Hotline on 1800 645 771 for free, confidential advice and connection to services.

09/10/2025

When your child is living with a neurological condition, it can feel overwhelming trying to juggle daily care while also navigating the complexities of our healthcare system to get them the support they need.

Our NeuroKids Paediatric Community Neurological Nurses are here to help. They support WA kids and their families and carers to better understand, manage and navigate their condition — and connect with the right services and supports when they’re needed most.

This free, confidential service offers accessible nurse-led care through a mix of home visits and virtual consults.

📞 Kids, parents, families and carers can reach out to our NeuroKids Nurses for advice or referrals on 1800 645 771.

06/10/2025

💜 We’re proud to share that our Geraldton NeuFriends Neurological Support Group has been named a a finalist in three categories at the Alike WA 2025 Support Group Excellence Awards!

🏆 Emerging Impact Award - for new peer support groups already making a meaningful mark
🏆 Regional Changemakers Award - going the distance to support regional communities
🏆 Collaborative Impact Award - for powerful partnerships driving greater impact together

These nominations reflect the heart of our work: empowering people with neurological conditions through support, connection, and advocacy.

A huge thank you to our team, volunteers and community - this recognition belongs to all of us.

✨ The Awards Gala takes place October 24 – wish us luck!

05/10/2025

Today, landmarks across Australia are lighting up in purple to mark World Meningitis Day (October 5)💜

Meningitis is a fast-acting, life-threatening disease that can affect anyone - anywhere, anytime. In just 24 hours, it can lead to death or result in lasting disability.

Here’s how you can help protect yourself and others:
👉 KNOW the signs and symptoms
👉 ACT immediately and seek urgent medical help if you suspect
👉 VAX: Full vaccination offers the best protection

Learn more: meningitis.com.au

03/10/2025

National Carers Week (12 - 18 October) is fast approaching, and it's time to show your support by nominating a Carer or participating in the local events and activities on offer!

Our Friends at Carers WA have launched their National Carers Week campaign, themed "You are one, know one or will know one," recognising and celebrating the resilience and sacrifice of WA carers and the profound impact they have on our communities.

We’re throwing our support behind National Carers Week to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of an estimated 320,000 unpaid carers in Western Australia who provide essential care to loved ones, saving the WA state government $6.9 billion annually. Nationally, more than 3 million Australians selflessly take on extra caring responsibilities for a family member or friend with disability, physical or mental health challenges.

Nominate a Carer and learn more about how you can get involved this National Carers Week: carerswa.asn.au/carers-week

03/10/2025

🧠 October is Seizure Safety Month 🧠

Did you know 1 in 25 Australians will be diagnosed with epilepsy, and 1 in 10 will experience a seizure in their lifetime?

Seizure Safety Month is dedicated to raising awareness for how those living with this common condition can reduce their risk of epilepsy-related harm. This vital campaign also focuses on the importance of the WA community learning seizure first aid, and empowers people who are living with seizures, with knowledge and resources to help them to navigate life safely.

The Neurological Council of WA is proud to support this campaign created by our friends at Epilepsy WA.

Let’s make seizure safety everyone’s business. Learn, share and support 💜
➡️ Visit epilepsywa.asn.au for more info.