The science and lived experience of CTE and post-concussion syndrome

Recorded 25 October at the Osteopathy Conference 2024 in Sydney Australia.

Video one: How the science and lived experience of CTE can inform osteopaths in clinical practice

International concern is growing about those at risk of multiple concussions and repetitive neurotrauma in sports. This lecture will provide the latest research on the signs and symptoms, the underlying physiology and neuropathology, and the first-hand lived experience of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and to inform osteopathy pactitioners working with patients exposed to repetitive neurotrauma. 

The presenters:

Associate Professor Michael Buckland is a senior neuropathologist and the Head of the Department of Neuropathology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Head of the Molecular Neuropathology Program at the Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney. Michael is the Director of the Australian Sports Brain Bank, leading the research on the first cases of CTE in Australian contact sport athletes and the first case in the world on female athlete with CTE. Michael is also the director of the Australian Veterans Brain Bank and Co-Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia Brain Bank.

Adjunct Professor Alan Pearce is a clinical neurophysiologist of 25 years experience. For the last 15 years, Alan has been focussed on the pathophysiology of concussion and those with suspected CTE following exposure to repetitive neurotruama. His techniques to measure the integrity of the central nervous system involved brain stimulation techniques. Alan has currently over 260 publications, including 15 book chapters and is currently working on his 3rd research textbook. He is also research manager of the Australian Sports Brain Bank.

Andrea Miles is from Melbourne and along with her prior expertise as an osteopath and the research she was conjointly involved with at the Australian Sports Brain Bank, Andrea draws on her lived experience of a loved one passing away with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Andrea is passionate about discussing CTE and the impact that this neurodegenerative disease has not only on the individual themself but also the ripple effect of CTE on family and friends. Andrea aims to increase awareness and understanding of CTE through the osteopathy community.

Video two: Post-concussion syndrome

Dr Rudi Gerhardt (Osteopath) explains why our understanding of concussion is rapidly advancing, and more and more healthcare professionals are stepping up to address the needs of this patient population. This presentation aims to provide viewers with an understanding of the intricacies involved in diagnosing, assessing, and treating patients with post-concussion symptoms.

Dr Rudi Gerhardt (Osteopath) studied Sports-Physiotherapy in Munich, graduating in 1984, and Osteopathy in Belgium (IAO) graduating in 1999. He moved to Australia over 20 years ago and while waiting for his qualifications to be recognised in Australia gained his B.Sc. Anatomy/Neuroscience at UNSW, graduating in 2002. He is a registered Doctor of Osteopathy.

Rudi considers study of the human body and mind a life-long task and tries not to specialise. But if he had to choose it would be Neuroscience. He has a special clinical interest in Dizziness & Balance and has done extensive education in this field including a ‘Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation’ and a ‘Certificate of Concussion Management.

He has spent 18 years self-employed in his own clinics in Sydney and in Murwillumbah (Life Quality & Health). His previous employment included 7 years Hospital employment (Germany), 1 year in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Germany) and 5 years self-employed in his own clinic (Germany). In his capacity as a Sports-physiotherapist in Germany he was often called in to support international events like Marathons and Triathlons throughout Europe.

Rudi has been teaching part time for 19 years including 1 year tutoring Anatomy at UNSW, 5 years at UWS lecturing Neuroanatomy, Clinical Reasoning and 6 years at SCU lecturing Neuroscience, Histology, Embryology, and Osteopathy skills. He has also taught Master classes and presented at conferences and CPD seminars for more than 25 years.

2.0 CPD hours.

Disclaimer: Content correct at the time of publication.