The Neurosciences Foundation

The Glasgow Kiltwalk is coming soon. It’s on the 25th and 26th of April. If you’re thinking of taking part please consider supporting the Neurosciences Foundation. You’ll find us on the official website. Thank you!

Our A to Z of neuroscience lands on Y: Y is for Young brains. In the days when the UK had ready access to European Union funding a team of Scottish researchers set up a Europe-wide network, BrainIT – an appropriate acronym - with its headquarters in Glasgow. After that Kids BrainIT was also established.

The Glasgow Kiltwalk is coming soon. It’s on the 25th and 26th of April. If you’re thinking of taking part please consider supporting the Neurosciences Foundation. You’ll find us on the official website. Thank you!

Our A to Z of neuroscience continues: W is for Wallenberg's syndrome - a neurological condition caused by a stroke in the brainstem, specifically in one of the arteries that provides blood to the cerebellum. The cerebellum coordinates and regulates muscular activity in the body. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing and hoarseness.

Three cheers for John Ware who’s taking part in three epic challenges to raise money for the Neurosciences Foundation. Use the QR code to support his magnificent efforts.

Our A to Z of neuroscience lands on W. W is for Whiplash - a neck injury caused by sudden movement of the head. It usually gets better within two to three months. Whiplash most often happens after a traffic accident or a slip or fall. Common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness and difficulty moving your head. You might get headaches, pain and muscle spasms in the shoulders and arms.

A big NSF thank you to John Ware who’s raising money for the foundation in memory of his gran who he lost last August. John will be competing in the Manchester marathon, the Scotsathlon and an Ironman event in Weymouth. So far he’s raised more than 330 pounds. John, you are an inspiration. Find John’s fundraiser at JustGiving.

Our A to Z of neuroscience continues: V is for Vagus nerve. The vagus nerves transmit sensory and motor impulses between the medulla oblongata (part of the brainstem) and the visceral organs. They exit the skull through the jugular foramina on their way to the thorax and abdomen.

Our A to Z of neuroscience continues: V is for Ventricular enlargement. Hydrocephalus, more commonly known as water on the brain, is caused by a build-up of fluid in cavities within the brain called ventricles. It can be a complication of various disorders and is often treated by placing a shunt into a ventricle to drain the fluid.

Our A to Z of neuroscience continues: U is for Unipolar neurones. This type of neurone (brain cell) only has one nerve process extending from the cell body. Unipolar neurons only occur in invertebrates, such as flies, and are not present in humans. In invertebrates, unipolar neurons play a role in the glands and muscles. Neurones in humans have multiple nerve processes, including an axon to send electrical signals from the cell body and dendrites to receive signals from other neurones.

NSF trustee James Shaw climbed Ben Ledi last week and observed these incredible ice crystals. Not a sponsored event but please feel free to support our work funding young neuroscience researchers. Find us at JustGiving.

Our A to Z of neuroscience arrives at U. U is for Ultrasound. A head ultrasound can be used to make images of the brain in very young children. An ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the head and images are recorded on a computer. The black-and-white images show the internal structure of the brain, including the ventricles (the fluid-filled cavities in the brain) and the blood vessels.

Our A to Z of neuroscience continues: T is for Temporal arteritis. Also called giant cell arteritis. The arteries, particularly those at the side of the head (the temples), become inflamed. It's serious and needs urgent treatment. Some of the symptoms are frequent severe headaches, pain or tenderness at the side of your head, jaw pain while eating or talking, vision problems such as double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes.