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Australian-first test brings 'unmatched' concussion care

Wednesday 20th November, 2024

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital is setting a new standard in concussion care in its emergency department after unveiling Australian-first brain-scanning technology.

The system can accurately test cognitive function in just six minutes, helping the Gateshead-based hospital to simplify concussion assessment and management for Hunter Valley locals.

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital's Director of Emergency, Dr Mark Lee, said the NeuroCatch technology enabled comprehensive concussion testing and treatment options in one place.

"If a member of the community suffers a suspected concussion, they can present to our ED, be tested and then, if necessary, be quickly referred to the appropriate specialist," he said.

"As well as having the wonderful Newcastle Brain Centre based here on-site, we also have on-site rehabilitation specialists who are very experienced in assisting patients with head injuries."

Neurologist Professor Chris Levi said the technology's "rapid, objective insights into brain function" allowed doctors to make fast decisions about treatment and rehabilitation plans.

"With this new technology, Lake Macquarie Private Hospital's concussion service is unmatched in its comprehensiveness and accessibility," Prof Levi said.

"Having NeuroCatch available in its 24/7 emergency department, combined with on-site imaging, and access to a dedicated team of specialists, including neurologists, Lake Macquarie is setting a new standard in concussion care."

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO Sharon Rewitt said the data collected by the NeuroCatch platform could lead to important research discoveries.

"We're thrilled to be the only emergency department in the country able to offer access to this leading technology, which will revolutionise the way we diagnose and manage patients with mild head injuries, including concussion," she said.

"The data collected by the new platform has the potential to be utilised by our hospital's research and clinical trials unit in the future.

"The de-identified data could one day be used for important concussion research and to potentially help specialists understand the long-term impacts of concussion."