News

Heather Lawrence OBE joins NRC Medical Experts

"Heather Lawrence OBE has been appointed as the new chair of NRC Medical Experts, the UK’s only medical expert witness chambers run by neurological rehabilitation professionals.”

Lessons learned from COVID – exploring the benefits of new ways of working

"Dr David Abankwa discusses remote assessments and shares his tips for successful virtual consultations. ”

Traumatic brain injury increases the risk of stroke

"In the four months following a traumatic brain injury, patients are at risk of stroke. Unfortunately, the risk does not subside for up to five years post-injury, a review by the team at the University of Birmingham has found. ”

Can a traumatic brain injury intensify sleep problems?

"The University of California has recently conducted research finding sleeping disorders are more common amongst those living with traumatic brain injuries. ”

Meet Dr Simon Shaw, Consultant Rehabilitation Physician

"Dr Shaw's clinical interest areas include neurorehabilitation in children and adults, neuro-disability of all causes, and physical medicine (amputee and prosthetics, complex orthotics, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation). ”

COVID-19 could increase brain & neurological disorders

"Research has revealed that six months after testing positive for COVID-19, one in eight people are diagnosed with a neurological or psychiatric illness.”

World’s biggest study into COVID-19 and stroke launched in the UK

"A new study launched in February 2021 funded by the UK’s Stroke Association aims to understand whether COVID-19 can increase stroke risk. ”

Neurological rehabilitation – recommendations for your TV watchlist

"Lockdown is proving an excellent opportunity to develop new knowledge, and when it comes to learning more about how brain and spinal injury, neurological conditions and rehabilitation can affect people, here's some fascinating documentaries to enjoy. ”

Supporting the Brain & Spine Foundation this Christmas

"Instead of sending Christmas cards, this year NRC Medical Experts has chosen to support the life-changing work of the Brain & Spine Foundation by making a donation of £200. ”

Rebuilding Shattered Lives – supporting injured people to seek support

"A new campaign by APIL - Rebuilding Shattered Lives – aims to put injured people first, and encourage people to seek help to put their lives back on track. ”

No Need For Speed: making roads safer for all users

"This week marks Road Safety Week, the UK's biggest road safety event coordinated by road safety charity Brake and backed by the Department of Transport.”

Understanding memory loss after brain injury

"When you are working with a client with memory loss following a brain injury, there are a few ways you can present information and modify your interactions for the best results. ”

Clinical Case Supervision – insight from Dr Colin Pinder

"NRC Medical Experts regularly provide ongoing clinical supervision and support during legal cases, in addition to providing expert witness reports and testimony. Clinical case supervision is carried out parallel to the legal case and for some time beyond a settlement.”

Highlighting the link between brain injury and suicide on World Suicide Prevention Day

"On 10 September each year organisations across the globe, including the Samaritans in the UK, come together on World Suicide Prevention Day. Individuals who have suffered a brain injuries see their risk of suicide increase from 1 in 200 to 1 in 100. ”

Choosing an expert witness: Neuropsychologist or Neuropsychiatrist?

"Choosing the right kind of expert witness is a crucial step when building a case, and when it comes to the brain, one of the questions we’re often asked by solicitors is whether the assistance of a neuropsychologist, or neuropsychiatrist, is required. ”

Concussion link to sleep disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, dementia and Parkinson’s disease revealed in new research

"Several recent studies have revealed the links between concussion, and increased risk of being diagnosed with ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, dementia and Parkinson’s disease later in life. ”

New sentencing guidelines for offenders with neurological, mental and developmental disorders

"Judges and magistrates will no longer be asked to interpret previous cases when looking at sentencing for offenders with mental and neurological disorders, but instead will be asked to refer to these guidelines. ”

Brain injury charity to train prison and probation staff

"Headway, the UK’s biggest brain injury charity, has been confirmed as a new provider of training for staff working in the prison and probation service in England.”

Further evidence of COVID-19’s lasting impact on the brain

"Using an online network which brought together major neuroscience bodies across the UK, doctors reported clinical symptoms of coronavirus which affected the brain – from strokes to altered mental states, symptoms involving nerves and muscles and any other neurological symptoms. ”

US researchers explore robot-assisted neurological rehabilitation

"Researchers from Michigan State University are using a £565,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to explore the ways robot-assisted learning can help patients improve common daily activities.”

A perfect storm: brain injury rehabilitation sector sees extreme disruption due to COVID-19

"In a poll of 161 of the UK’s most senior brain injury solicitors, 89% believe rehabilitation standards have dropped as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with 92% saying that brain injury rehabilitation is going to be more reliant than ever on the private and charitable sectors moving forward.”

The new neurorehabilitation: outdoor & socially distant

"A Lake District charity has developed the UK’s first COVID-19 compliant brain injury rehabilitation programme combining traditional clinical therapies with physical activity in the outdoors - because neurorehabilitation won't wait.”

Understanding the value of desktop medico-legal reporting

"Desktop expert witness reports are proving particularly valuable at this time. They allow the expert witness to develop an in-depth picture of the individual and their presentation, without the need for a face to face consultation. ”

Learning from history: supporting clients living with the neuropsychiatric impact of Covid-19

"Solicitors supporting clients with neurological conditions and injuries should be aware of the significant psychological stressors presented by Covid-19 over the coming months, as well as lessons from history about the long-term neurological impact of pandemics on individuals and society.”

Embracing new ways of working to support our clients

"Desktop reports, remote assessments and free pre-assessment conversations are just some of the ways we are supporting clients to keep legal cases moving as the impact of Covid-19 is felt across the UK. ”

Instructing an expert witness? We’re here to support you

"At NRC Medical Experts, we help you navigate the appointment of medical experts, giving your case the best chance.”

Neurorehabilitation in the wake of Covid-19

"NRC Medical Experts welcomes the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine’s recently published report Rehabilitation in the wake of Covid-19 - A phoenix from the ashes. ”

Top tips for expert witnesses when it comes to online working

"In the latest edition of New Law Journal, Mark Solon of legal training company Bond Solon shares his top tips for expert witnesses giving evidence by video link.”

Study Guide - Post-Traumatic Epilepsy

"Seizures may occur after traumatic brain injury; these are known as post-traumatic seizures (PTS). However, not everyone who has post-traumatic seizures will continue to have post-traumatic epilepsy, because the latter is a chronic condition. ”

Researchers find link between epilepsy and brain inflammation

"Researchers from the University of Bonn, writing in the journal Annals of Neurology, have identified an autoantibody mechanism that could help with the development of new therapies against certain types of epilepsy. ”

Courts and health service embrace video technologies in response to Covid-19 restrictions

"Traditionally face-to-face sectors, in recent weeks the healthcare and justice systems have begun to embrace video technologies in order to continue to progress the work of the courts as the UK faces self-isolation and lockdown. ”

How to be a good medico-legal expert

"As medico-legal experts, neuro-rehab professionals can offer valuable insights to cases which shape the lives of serious injury survivors and people with neurological conditions. Chairman Dr Edmund Bonikowski provides his top tips on what can be a highly rewarding career.”

Covid–19 statement

"NRC Medical Experts commit to new ways of working so we can maintain our usual service to you during this unprecedented time.”

Brain Injury Awareness Week 2020 starts today

"Brain Awareness Week takes place every year across the globe. Its aim is to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science. This year, it takes place from 16 – 22 March 2020.”

What is a medical expert witness? A guide for clients

"Following an injury or accident, many people seek support from a solicitor to pursue a personal injury claim. Whatever the cause - from medical negligence to road traffic accidents – to give your claim the best chance of success in Court, the expertise of a medical expert witness is crucial. ”

Meet Dr. Jonathan Mamo, rehabilitation consultant and neurorehabilitation expert witness

"Dr. Jonathan Mamo MD MRCP (UK) MRCP (London) MSc (Mlt) MSc (Nott), is a consultant in rehabilitation medicine with specialist interest in neurorehabilitation. ”

The FA set to ban heading in children’s football due to link to brain injury and dementia in later life

"Following a 22-month study by the Glasgow Brain Injury Research Group into the incidence of dementia in former footballers, the FA is set to ban heading in children’s football. ”

Recovery of brain damaged patients at risk from delays and lack of resources

"Research carried out by Calvert Reconnections and Exchange Chambers reveals delays and lack of resources in the brain injury rehabilitation sector, according to senior brain injury solicitors. ”

Meet Dr David Abankwa – Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine and Medical Expert Witness

"Dr David Abankwa, MB ChB, MSc, FRCP Edin, is a Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine based at Swansea Bay University Health Board in Neath Port Talbot Hospital, South Wales.”

€1m grant to fund improvements to severe brain injury diagnosis

"Professor Steven Laureys a Belgian neurologist, has been awarded €1m (£850,000) to fund further work to improve diagnoses of severe brain injuries resulting in coma. ”

New for 2020: complimentary pre-instruction conversations with our senior experts

"At NRC Medical Experts, we know that serious injury cases can be long and complex. Finding the right expert witness to support your case is a crucial part of building a successful case. ”

Meet Dr Lloyd Bradley - Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine and Medical Expert Witness

"Dr Lloyd Bradley is a Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at Western Sussex Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust and specialises in rehabilitation medicine, lifelong neurological disorders, progressive multiple sclerosis and spasticity management.”

Supporting The Silverlining Charity this Christmas

"Instead of sending our stakeholders a Christmas card, this year we've made a £200 donation to The Silverlining Charity, supporting people living with the impact of brain injury. ”

Study reveals half of all homeless people live with traumatic brain injury

"Recent research published in Public Health journal, The Lancet, indicates that half of all homeless people may be living with the impact of brain injury, which may have been a cause or contributing factor to their homelessness. ”

Understanding neuropsychiatry and rehabilitation

"Neuropsychiatry expert witnesses specialise in the branch of medicine dealing with integrated neurological and psychiatric disorders and their management”

Meet Dr Edward Fathers - Consultant Neurologist and Medical Expert Witness

"Dr Edward Fathers MB BChir (Cantab) MA FRCP, is a Consultant Neurologist. After completing training at Cambridge University and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, Dr Fathers qualified in 1990, before becoming a Consultant in 2000. He now works at Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital”

Brain injury charities call for enhanced nurse training

"We welcome the urgent call from the RCN Foundation, in collaboration with brain injury recovery charity Same You, to develop enhanced training for nurses dealing with neurological rehabilitation.”

Meet Dr Ganesh Bavikatte - Consultant in Neurorehabilitation and Medical Expert Witness

"Dr Ganesh Bavikatte, MBBS, MD (Medicine), FRCP (London), FEBPRM (Europe), is a Consultant and Clinical Lead in Neurorehabilitation medicine, based mainly at specialist neurology hospital, the Walton Centre in Liverpool.”

Training day for neurorehabilitation specialists - Birmingham, December 2019

"Interested in becoming a medico-legal expert? On 3 December 2019 in Birmingham, NRC Medical Experts are hosting a Training Day on neurorehabilitation for consultants and senior allied health professionals working in, or looking to enter, the medico-legal sector.”

Introduction to Spinal Cord Injuries

"Recent data suggests that in the UK, there are approximately 2,500 new cases of spinal cord injuries every year - meaning that someone receives a spinal injury every four hours.”

Six great reads: life after brain injury

"Recovering from a brain injury can be a long and difficult journey. Reading books written about brain injury and recovery, especially those that are written by survivors and people who have experienced this first hand, can be very beneficial for recovery and for those who wish to understand more.”

What you Need to Know About Being an Expert Medical Witness

"Many clinical trials are won or lost on the quality of the expert evidence and testimonials from expert witness. Being an expert witness is a great chance to challenge yourself, gain more knowledge and experience, add some new variety to your career and – of course – help people to access the right neurological rehabilitation that will lead to the best outcomes for them.”

Meet the expert: Dr Julian Harriss

"A Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine in private practice and Managing Director of the Independent Rehabilitation Medicine Assessments (IRMA), Dr Harriss is a leading medical expert with over twenty years’ experience. He has been a much-valued member of the NRC team for over four years.”

The importance of neurorehabilitation for recovery after brain injury

"Neurorehabilitation after brain injury plays a central role in speeding up the recovery process and preventing further deterioration of brain functions. Rehabilitation can help people achieve the best possible outcome from remaining healthy neurons in the long run.”

Virtual Reality as a Tool for Neurological Rehabilitation

"Virtual Reality (VR) has been here for more than a decade now and other than being an entertainment system, they’re proving to be just as nifty for medical and therapeutic purposes.”

The NR Times study guide: classification of traumatic brain injury

"Dr Julian Harris, of the National Neurological Rehabilitation Chambers, on the vital classification process that shapes treatments and outcomes after brain injury.”

Study Guide - Life Expectancy

"The only true statement about a life expectancy estimate for the Court is that it is bound to be wrong. There are so many variables to take into account in coming to a life expectancy, particularly in someone with a severe disability, that an accurate prognosis is next to impossible. ”

The NR Times Study Guide: Hypopituitarism

"Prof Mike Barnes’ article on Hypopituitarism has been featured in the summer edition of the NR Times. To read the feature in full, and for more information about the NR Times (including how to subscribe) please follow the link.”

Brain Injury Study Guide – Hypopituitarism

"Hypopituitarism is very common after brain injury and is often misdiagnosed. What is hypopituitarism? This means the pituitary gland is not functioning properly. The pituitary gland is the "master gland" that controls all the other hormonal glands within the body. It is a small gland on a stalk sitting in the middle of the brain. Unfortunately, its position, anatomy and blood supply make it vulnerable to traumatic brain injury.”

Brain Injury Study Guide - Fatigue

"A symptom, a subjective phenomenon, not something which can be measured objectively. Depression anxiety or stress may exacerbate or be the cause of fatigue. View our fatigue study guide.”

Robots Rise to Data Challenge

"Neuro-rehab’s struggles to use patient and research data effectively could be solved by artificial intelligence (AI), as NR Times discovers. ”

Our First Solicitor Training Event a Success!

"On Thursday 19 October we held our first training event for solicitors. It was well attended and we focussed on controversies in our field including the inappropriate use of the term "mild" brain injury, the need for SMART assessments to be used more widely, the potential of artificial intelligence to assist our work and the fact that neurorehab physicians are more useful in assessing quantum than neurologists! ”

Space Tourism may finally be about to become a reality. What medical requirements will be involved for those who participate, and can it be made safe?

"Space tourism, from a medical perspective, opens up a whole new - and sometimes rather grey - area. ”

Ban tackling in school rugby for safety, experts demand

"Prof Allyson Pollock, from Newcastle University, is presenting new evidence that banning tackling would reduce concussion, head and neck injuries.”

Nine lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk, study says

"One in three cases of dementia could be prevented if more people looked after their brain health throughout life, according to an international study in the Lancet.”

Neurology and Neurorehabilitation – the difference in expert opinion

"Many solicitors tell us that they are confused about the expertise they are relying upon, particularly when asking for opinions from neurologists and neurological rehabilitation physicians.”

The neurology of ageing: what is normal?

"As with all aspects of human physiology, the nervous system alters with ageing. Even in the healthiest elderly, there is more neuronal loss, more vascular pathology and numerous changes at the cellular level compared with healthy younger adults. ”

NNRC and Gill-Thwaites and Elliott are pleased to announce their co-operation in the pursuit of better assessment and management of patients with PDOC

"National Neurological Rehabilitation Chambers and Gill-Thwaites and Elliott are pleased to announce their co-operation in the pursuit of better assessment and management of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC). ”

First Aid in a terrorist age. Would you know what do to if you were first on the scene after a terror attack?

"Would you know what to do if you were first on the scene of a terrorist outrage where dozens of people were injured and dying? ‘There is a well known phenomenon called the ‘bystander effect’, where everyone does nothing because they assume someone else knows what to do,’ says Joe Mulligan, head of First Aid education at the British Red Cross. ”

NNRC are pleased to announce that we have set up a joint working initiative with Maggie Sargent & Associates

"To ensure the most accurate assessment of present and future care needs in cases of neurological disability it is fundamental that there is a clear opinion on medical condition and prognosis. NNRC and Maggie Sargent & Associates are pleased to announce their co-operation to underpin better understanding between the medical and nursing disciplines in producing expert care reports and neurological rehabilitation medicine reports. ”

Heather Lawrence OBE joins NRC Medical Experts

Lessons learned from COVID – exploring the benefits of new ways of working

Traumatic brain injury increases the risk of stroke

Can a traumatic brain injury intensify sleep problems?

Meet Dr Simon Shaw, Consultant Rehabilitation Physician

COVID-19 could increase brain & neurological disorders

World’s biggest study into COVID-19 and stroke launched in the UK

Neurological rehabilitation – recommendations for your TV watchlist

Supporting the Brain & Spine Foundation this Christmas

Rebuilding Shattered Lives – supporting injured people to seek support

No Need For Speed: making roads safer for all users

Understanding memory loss after brain injury

Clinical Case Supervision – insight from Dr Colin Pinder

Highlighting the link between brain injury and suicide on World Suicide Prevention Day

Choosing an expert witness: Neuropsychologist or Neuropsychiatrist?

Concussion link to sleep disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, dementia and Parkinson’s disease revealed in new research

New sentencing guidelines for offenders with neurological, mental and developmental disorders

Brain injury charity to train prison and probation staff

Further evidence of COVID-19’s lasting impact on the brain

US researchers explore robot-assisted neurological rehabilitation

A perfect storm: brain injury rehabilitation sector sees extreme disruption due to COVID-19

The new neurorehabilitation: outdoor & socially distant

Understanding the value of desktop medico-legal reporting

Learning from history: supporting clients living with the neuropsychiatric impact of Covid-19

Embracing new ways of working to support our clients

Instructing an expert witness? We’re here to support you

Neurorehabilitation in the wake of Covid-19

Top tips for expert witnesses when it comes to online working

Study Guide - Post-Traumatic Epilepsy

Researchers find link between epilepsy and brain inflammation

Courts and health service embrace video technologies in response to Covid-19 restrictions

How to be a good medico-legal expert

Covid–19 statement

Brain Injury Awareness Week 2020 starts today

What is a medical expert witness? A guide for clients

Meet Dr. Jonathan Mamo, rehabilitation consultant and neurorehabilitation expert witness

The FA set to ban heading in children’s football due to link to brain injury and dementia in later life

Recovery of brain damaged patients at risk from delays and lack of resources

Meet Dr David Abankwa – Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine and Medical Expert Witness

€1m grant to fund improvements to severe brain injury diagnosis

New for 2020: complimentary pre-instruction conversations with our senior experts

Meet Dr Lloyd Bradley - Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine and Medical Expert Witness

Supporting The Silverlining Charity this Christmas

Study reveals half of all homeless people live with traumatic brain injury

Understanding neuropsychiatry and rehabilitation

Meet Dr Edward Fathers - Consultant Neurologist and Medical Expert Witness

Brain injury charities call for enhanced nurse training

Meet Dr Ganesh Bavikatte - Consultant in Neurorehabilitation and Medical Expert Witness

Training day for neurorehabilitation specialists - Birmingham, December 2019

Introduction to Spinal Cord Injuries

Six great reads: life after brain injury

What you Need to Know About Being an Expert Medical Witness

Meet the expert: Dr Julian Harriss

The importance of neurorehabilitation for recovery after brain injury

Virtual Reality as a Tool for Neurological Rehabilitation

The NR Times study guide: classification of traumatic brain injury

Study Guide - Life Expectancy

The NR Times Study Guide: Hypopituitarism

Brain Injury Study Guide – Hypopituitarism

Brain Injury Study Guide - Fatigue

Robots Rise to Data Challenge

Our First Solicitor Training Event a Success!

Space Tourism may finally be about to become a reality. What medical requirements will be involved for those who participate, and can it be made safe?

Ban tackling in school rugby for safety, experts demand

Nine lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk, study says

Neurology and Neurorehabilitation – the difference in expert opinion

The neurology of ageing: what is normal?

NNRC and Gill-Thwaites and Elliott are pleased to announce their co-operation in the pursuit of better assessment and management of patients with PDOC

First Aid in a terrorist age. Would you know what do to if you were first on the scene after a terror attack?

NNRC are pleased to announce that we have set up a joint working initiative with Maggie Sargent & Associates

Medical supervision of community neurological rehabilitation programmes

New Report Shows Traumatic Brain Injury is a Major Threat to Older People

Is there such thing as mild TBI?

Solicitor Training Day 2017

Can your voice reveal whether you have an illness?

The highs and lows of cannabinoid

Our First Member Event

Insurers have pledged to pass on the savings worth about £40 a year.

Transplanted neurons act like the normal cells lost to brain damage