North Queensland Neuropsychology Service

Huge CONGRATULATIONS to Caitlin Knight on achieving endorsement in Neuropsychology at NQNS. From having had her as a masters student to an intern and now a fully qualified neuropsychologist. We wish Caitlin all the very best in the next chapter of her career and will miss her greatly at NQNS.

What better way to celebrate brain awareness week than a post about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery now being available for regional residents of Queensland.

NQNS is thrilled to be part of the DBS multidisciplinary team recently established in Townsville with Neurologist Dr Costello and Neurosurgeon Professor Matt McDonald the principal specialists.

Deep Brain Stimulation is an advanced form of therapy that can assist suitable patients suffering with Parkinson’s Disease. This form of innovative therapy has only been accessible in capital cities across Australia. DBS is now being offered in Townsville for patients in regional areas of QLD which is preferable. The first two patients underwent surgery in February which was a complete success and completely life changing. Deidre was fortunate enough to observe this procedure along with the highly experienced team of professionals from Sydney, Adelaide and Townsville.

https://www.mater.org.au/group/news/mater-news/march-2022/deep-brain-stimulation-surgery-a-first-for-townsvi

This post has been a while coming and relates to the achievements of Caitlin Knight, Neuropsychology Registrar @ NQNS.

A few months ago Caitlin received the Maureen Molloy Award & Prize and was included on the 2020 Dean's Honours List for receiving the top graduating grade in her Clinical Neuropsychology Masters cohort from Melbourne University. This reflects her tenacity, passion, dedication and of course, braininess!

Having worked with Caitlin for the past 9 months, I am not surprised in the least that she has achieved these accolades.

It's an honour to work alongside Caitlin and clients of North Qld can be rest assured that they are receiving the best of the best service.

Home | NQ Neuropsychology Proudly awarded Australia’s “Best Private Neuropsychology Practice” Specialising in comprehensive Neuropsychological assessments and reports. Learn More We’re registered NDIS providers! Access our services via NDIS therapeutic supports. Learn More Townsville-based providing outreach services...

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Today we acknowledge the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

IDAHOBIT is a day to celebrate LGBTIQA+ people globally and raises awareness for the work still needed to achieve equality.

At NQNS, today and everyday we support all people of all ages in our LGBTIQA+ community.

Some fantastic Open Arms programs happening for Veterans and families here in Townsville.

💜Recovery From Truama
💙Mental Health First Aid
💜Building Better Relationships
💙Applied Su***de Intervention Skills
💜Doing Anger Differently

Contact Open Arms Townsville directly for more info, or click on the link below.

If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran and require crisis support, contact Open Arm 24hr crisis line 1800 011 046

Programs | Open Arms

Excellent news! Dementia Australia

A great start 🙌 let's hope government funding and supports continue for those living with dementia and their families.

Today marks Domestic Violence Remembrance Day. We remember those who are no longer with us, and aknowledge all victim-survivors of domestic and family violence 🤍

The NQNS clinic will be closed tomorrow morning due to a scheduled power outage.

Business hours tomorrow 11/4/22 will be:

11:45am - 4:30pm

- NQNS Team

🧠 Brain Awareness Week 🧠

Another important brain awareness topic we would like to highlight this week is-

The recognition of neurocognitive difficulties experienced by ex-defence members.

Over the past year, NQNS has been intrinsically involved in the rollout of an Acquired Brain Injury pilot program which commenced in Townsville, where we have a very high percentage of active and ex-defence members.

This pilot is a fantastic initiative under the Neurocognitive Health Program (NHP) by Open Arms. It was developed due to the identified need for an improved service response to veterans and family members where the veteran presents with neurocognitive symptoms or concerns regarding cognitive decline.

Our role has been to identify whether an organic neurocognitive disorder exists and to make a host of recommendations based on the findings, regardless of cause.

It has been an honor to connect with some amazing ex-defence men and women and be able to provide this important service to our community. We look forward to the ongoing partnership with Open Arms.

💙 If you are an ex-defence member or know someone who is and would like more info on this fantastic, free program, please contact Open Arms or pass this info on by sharing.

🧠 It’s Brain Awareness Week 🧠

We want to put the limelight on some important topics this week.

Today we focus on the recognition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in our community.

Over the past year, we have received a number of referrals for known or suspected FASD.

FASD refers to a range of problems caused a fetus exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. FASD is underdiagnosed, poorly understood and lacks recognition Australia wide.

FASD can be diagnosed in children, young people or adults. Our role is instrumental for this client population given we are able to characterize the cognitive, emotional and behavioral consequences of this condition, which can then assist the client and their caregivers in obtaining additional support and funding, whether this be via the school, government health/medical services and NDIS.

Please refer an article recently published in the ABC:

Push for better FASD recognition in Qld schools, increased student support The Queensland government is being called to recognise fetal alcohol spectrum disorder "like other disabilities" in schools. Proponents say better school supports will help prevent these students dropping out or abusing substances.

A shout out on IWD!

NQNS is so proud to have such an amazing team of skilled, talented women to work alongside and be inspired by everyday!
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Our girl gang has come together with their own unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds and stories of strength, resiliance and vulnerabilities to form a team that is collectively passionate and dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of others.

Today we acknowledge our team and all women- past and present, women we've connected with at NQNS, in the community and of course, all the special women in our lives that we hold dear.....

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”

🌿Deidre has been busy working her magic🌿 with acupuncture clients this week. It's always lovely to see our loyal regulars as well as new faces.

Being able to offer acupuncture as a treatment for the relief of a vast range of symptoms in our neuropsychology clients and the broader community, is something we are proud of here at NQNS.

This week, acupuncture sessions included treatments for a range of conditions and symptoms - from improved mobility and pain relief to the reduction of the symptoms in those suffering from neurodegenerative disorders.

Our acupuncture sessions often include cupping and/or moxibustion.

Deidre is a qualified and experienced Chinese medicine acupuncturist - Health fund rebates available on all treatments. Contact the clinic today to book your thorough initial consultation and treatment.

🎄🎄We're taking a break🎄🎄

NQNS will be closed from the 23rd of December and reopen on the 11th of January 2021.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the amazing people we have connected with during the wild journey of 2020!!! It has been a pleasure and we look forward to seeing you again in 2021.

Wishing you all the best for the holiday season and new year 🎉 From the NQNS team xx

We have an inspirational book we'd love to share with you. This book includes a few stories from local North Queenslanders - including an NQNS mention!

How Do I Do This? The Real and Raw Truth About Raising A Child (of all ages) With Special Needs - Interviews With Parents.

Finding people who have journeyed on the same road can provide a road map, and shine a light on the darkness of the unknown.

These are raw and real stories from parents all over the world, aiming to help at all stages of the special needs journey, woven together with threads of heartbreak and hope, joy, courage and fear, tenacity and persistence, and deep, abiding love.

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Next time you drop into the NQNS clinic, be sure to take home a heart ❤

Each pocket heart has been lovingly made by children and teens of the NQNS team as a part of the 1000 Hearts project. 1000 hearts is dedicated to sharing and celebrating kindness.

Take your heart, keep it close and give it a squeeze when you need a reminder of love hope, courage and comfort.

Kindness can change our hearts and the world.

Find out more, visit 1000 Hearts at www.1000hearts.com.au

Another clinic well done in beautiful Mackay 🌞

Did you know NQNS hold neuropsychological assessment clinics in Mackay every 6-8 weeks?

At NQNS we feel honoured to provide neuropsychological assessments in locations that normally don't have neuropsych services readily available.

In this instance, it's also a lovely chance for Deidre to visit her hometown 😎

If you would like more information regarding our Mackay clinics, connect with us, we'd love to chat!

We are so excited to welcome Caitin back to the NQNS team!

Caitlin spent time with us back in June 2019 while undergoing her clinical neuropsychology studies with The University of Melbourne.

On the home stretch to starting her registrar journey, Caitlin has rejoined NQNS for her final block of placement.

As a North Queensland gal, Caitlin is happy to return to the tropics and be a part of the NQNS girl gang for the next 6 weeks.

While with us, Caitlin will be providing assessments for a broad range of clients and have the opportunity to see our dynamic team in action.

A big welcome back to Caitin, it is a privilege to have you on board!!!

Psychology Week 2020

This psychology week is all about PAIN and the role of psychology in helping people living with pain.

Psychological therapy has been found to be successful in helping to reduce the distress associated with pain and even improve functioning.

Head to psychweek.org.au to learn more and for resources

https://psychweek.org.au/
https://psychweek.org.au/2020-resources/

Resources | Psychology Week 2020 | APS APS members can access the Chronic Pain in Adults practice guide.

Exciting news!!!

NQNS is now providing Neuropsychological Assessments in DARWIN!

Last week NQNS principal neuropsychologist Deidre Bradshaw travelled to Darwin for the first time.

Deidre was welcomed by the amazing team at
Eunoia Lane and was able to provide assessments for a lovely group of NDIS participants that normally, would not be able to access neuropsychological services as easily.

Deidre enjoyed every minute of her trip to Darwin - including, seeing the famous dancing crocs!!! 🐊

NQNS is proud to announce that we will now be travelling to Darwin on a regular basis to provide Neuropsychological Assessments.

If you are an NDIS participant, NDIS provider, medical professional, allied health practitioner or a member of the public wanting more information about our services, please send us a message, we'd love to hear from you 💚

It doesn't happen often, but over the next few weeks some of the NQNS team are taking a well earned break 🌴🌞

NQNS will be closed on:
Friday September 25th & Friday October 2nd

All other days during this time we remain open as per usual, operating with reduced staff members.

NQNS will continue to assist with inquiries and some services - although this will be limited. We ask that you please be patient, as it may take a little longer than usual to get back to you.

We appreciate your understanding

NQNS Team

R U OK?

A conversation could change, or save, a life.

If you know someone who might be doing it tough, or noticed a friend is acting different, three simple words might be all it takes to get a conversation going.

https://www.ruok.org.au/

A conversation could change a life | R U OK? R U OK? is a su***de prevention charity in Australia, reminding people that having meaningful conversations with loved ones, friends and colleagues could change lives.

The power of Nature!

We often hear about the benefits of spending time amongst nature, how it inspires and provides creativity, how it can lift mood. Yet still, many of us are stuck in our Big City lives, surrounded by Concrete with not a patch of grass in sight.

It sounds too good to be true, and too easy to work, but even just a small amount of nature, like stepping out of your office and going for a walk in the park, can improve your overall concentration, efficiency at work, and of course elevate mood.

In this article Sarah Alley describes her journey with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the healing power of Nature. How spending time outdoors alleviated her headaches, helped her think clearer and lifted her depression and anxiety.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-06/my-brain-on-nature-healing-sarah-allely/12266522?fbclid=IwAR0k8hIWqOB2xPXzy4alTIa9sUfUCaL38o5PcSY7lUkERFg1v0UcQd0yXNM

A brain injury left me unable to do anything 'normal'. Then I made a discovery that changed everything I suffered a mild traumatic brain injury when I was hit by a car while riding my bike. I was unable to read, write, listen to music or look after my kids. Then I made a discovery that changed my life.

NQNS is soooo thrilled to have Natasha Alessi join us as a clinician.

You might recognise her! Natasha joined us late last year for a 6 week placement with Melbourne University. She loved us and our clients so much, she came back to fulfil the position of Neuropsychology Registrar. Welcome Natasha. We are lucky to have you!

They call us the Brainy Bunch!!! Who can argue with that.

COVID-19 restrictions have eased slightly, but that may not mean the added pressures, stresses or anxieties have disappeared.

For strategies, support or just a little bit of help to keep your mental health in check, head on over to the Head to Health website. You will find information related to:

🌿 Maintaining good health
🌿 Managing financial stress
🌿 How to access mental health services
🌿 Talking to children about COVID-19
🌿 Protecting our elderly
🌿 Links to 24/7 phone, chat and email services

https://headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support/covid-19

COVID-19 Support Mental health information relating to the coronavirus outbreak.

Did you know that “Every week in Australia, 3 women are hospitalised with a brain injury as a result of family violence.” - Nick Rushworth, Executive Officer, Brain Injury Australia. This doesn’t even include children, who are also at considerable risk.

What an alarming and worrying statistic!!!

Brain injury is a result of any damage that occurs to the brain after birth. It can occur in many situation, and domestic violence has been identified as a significant cause of brain injury!

Due to COVID restrictions, and people being confined to their homes, concerns for an increase in the incidence of domestic violence are expressed.

In fact, 'Social services organisations have already reported a rise in family violence rates since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic’ – ABC news.

While physical disabilities might be easy to see, there are often hidden effects of brain injury. People who have sustained a brain injury can experience difficulties in areas of thinking, memory, emotion, and behaviour that often go un-noticed but have detrimental effects. If gone un-noticed, these difficulties can and will affect many aspects of an individual’s life.

At NQNS we see many clients with acquired brain injuries (ABI) across the lifespan and under many circumstances. We have a specialised understanding of the difficulties people with an ABI experience and whilst there is no cure, we are able to provide strategies, such as compensatory techniques, that may help people to better engage in daily activities and in life.

If you would like to know more about brain injury head to: https://www.braininjuryaustralia.org.au/

If you or anyone you know is living in a situation of domestic violence please contact any of the numbers below: or visit https://www.dvconnect.org/

Excellence in Neuropsychological Services - APAC Insider Studying neuropsychology, or the intrinsic relationship between the brain and behaviours, is an area of science that requires more than just expert knowledge. Everyone has a different brain and behaves in different ways. Being flexible and able to cater for a broad spectrum of clients is key, and ca...

Tourette Syndrome Awareness Week (4th to 10th May)

This week is Tourette Syndrome Awareness week and given the significant influence that Covid-19 has had on people’s mental health and overall well-being it's important to know that for those individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as Tourette Syndrome, this pandemic has caused increased strife. The Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia (TSAA) has highlighted that individuals with Tourette Syndrome experience exacerbated symptoms in self-isolation, further increasing their burden.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder. It often begins between the ages of 2 and 21 and lasts throughout life. TS is not a degenerative disorder and people with TS can expect to live a normal lifespan. Unfortunately, the exact cause of Tourette syndrome in unknown.

Symptoms of TS include rapid, repetitive and involuntary muscle movements and vocalisations called “tics”. There can also be some behavioural difficulties.

Around 85% of individuals with TS also experience additional conditions, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Anxiety, or Depression.

https://tourette.org.au/

Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia – A support network for those with Tourette's Syndrome and their families.