How Can People With MS Manage Fatigue And Energy Levels?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that causes disruption to functioning of the central nervous system. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms that impact the quality of life of the patient. There is no cure for MS, but there are treatments that can potentially slow its progress or lessen the frequency or severity of relapses.

Many people find that by actively managing their symptoms and general health, they can improve their quality of life and make the condition easier to live with. Here’s a look at some daily living strategies that people with mild to moderate MS may find beneficial.

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS, and it can be seriously debilitating. It’s more than feeling tired most of the time; it’s feeling exhausted to a degree that is out of proportion to the activity undertaken. The fatigue can also be mental, causing brain fog and worse short term memory and concentration levels. 

Fatigue can be a difficult problem to manage, and it is not always easy to explain to other people the impact it has because there are no visible symptoms. It can come on suddenly and doesn’t necessarily go away with rest. 

Researchers are not completely sure why so many people with MS are affected by fatigue, but it is thought that it can be the result of the condition itself, or the consequences of living with the condition. The former type is simply thought to be because it takes up more energy for the damaged central nervous system to do its job.

The latter, known as secondary fatigue, is thought to be a result of symptoms such as pain, depression, weaker bladder control, disturbed sleep, or the side effects of medication. While it is not possible to prevent the feeling of fatigue occuring, it is possible to manage energy levels through lifestyle and strategic planning.

Boosting energy levels can be achieved through a combination of eating healthily, sticking to a good sleep routine, taking exercise, and managing stress levels. Planning and prioritising can help to ensure that the energy available is used in the most effective way.  

Eating small, frequent meals that contain a good balance of proteins, fibre and unsaturated fats can help to maintain a steady supply of energy and avoid sudden crashes. This not only improves energy levels, but also helps to maintain a healthy weight, keeps the skin and bones in good condition, and reduces the risk of developing other health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and some types of cancer. 

Sleep is obviously crucial to our ability to mentally and physically refresh our bodies and minds. To give yourself the best chance of a good night’s rest, go to bed and get up at the same time every day; limit intake of caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants; and develop a wind down routine that starts an hour or so before bed to help your mind prepare for rest. 

It is natural to reduce activity levels when you are feeling fatigued, but this can make the problem worse, because the more unfit you become, the more difficult and energy-intensive every day tasks of living will become. Staying active does not necessarily mean going to the gym; it can include household chores, carrying groceries, or going for a brisk walk. 

As well as boosting your energy levels, it’s important to make sure that you are making the best use of the energy that you have available. Keep a journal to record which activities you find most tiring, and plan to spread them out throughout the week rather than attempting too much in a short period of time. 

If you are currently struggling to carry out all of the activities you have planned, prioritise them in order of importance. However, remember that you should prioritise enjoyable activities as well as chores, otherwise your mental health may begin to suffer and this can in turn be a further drain on your energy and motivation levels. 

Make sure that you take regular breaks in between activities and break bigger jobs up into smaller more manageable steps if need be. If you have the opportunity to delegate tasks to family members or friends, this can help you to conserve energy levels. 

Be mindful of other people’s time pressures and responsibilities, and consider exploring the possibility of hiring paid assistants for jobs such as gardening, cleaning or laundry. 

If you would like some more information about multiple sclerosis and Gamma Knife surgery, please contact Mr Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Olympic Hopeful Reveals Inoperable Brain Tumour Diagnosis

The professional swimmer Archie Goodburn has revealed that he has been diagnosed with a rare form of inoperable brain tumour. BBC News reports that the 23 year old began to experience unusual symptoms during trials for the 2024 Olympic Games, and received the devastating tumour diagnosis six weeks ago.

Goodburn explained that he has been diagnosed with three oligodendrogliomas. Cancer Research UK explains that these are rare and slow growing brain tumours that develop from the glial cells called oligodendrocytes. The most common symptoms include seizures and headaches. 

Oligodendrogliomas mostly develop in the frontal lobes of the brain, but more rarely originate in the spinal cord, and very occasionally they can spread to other parts of the brain and spinal cord. The treatment for oligodendrogliomas depends on whether they are slow growing or fast growing. 

The main treatment options include active monitoring of slow growing tumours, surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible; radiotherapy, which involves using precisely directed gamma rays to destroy the tumour cells; and chemotherapy. 

Surgery may not always be possible if there is no clear border between the tumour and the healthy brain tissue. In Goodburn’s case, he has explained that the nature of his tumours means that traditional surgery is not an option, and he will undergo a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. 

He wrote on his Instagram: “Six weeks ago, my life experienced a profound change as I was diagnosed with three brain tumours. In December 2023, my training began to be interrupted by strange episodes. These episodes, initially thought to be hemiplegic migraines, would occur during hard training.”

“They would leave me with a loss of strength and a numb sensation on my left side, a deep feeling of fear, nausea and extreme deja vu. I now know that these were in fact seizures. With the trials behind me, I dug deeper into what was really causing these attacks. An MRI in May finally revealed what I’d begun to fear the most.”

“The silver lining to this diagnosis is that oligodendrogliomas generally respond better to radiotherapy and chemotherapy than many other serious brain tumour types. I am young, I am fit, I have the most phenomenal support network of friends, the best family I could ever hope for and a fantastic girlfriend by my side.”

He added: “I am determined to take this head-on, to remain positive and to keep being Archie.”

Despite suffering from headaches, nausea and a numb sensation down his left side, Goodburn only just missed out on qualifying for this year’s Olympic Games in Paris. He has previously won a bronze medal in the World Junior Swimming Championships and was part of the Scottish Commonwealth Games swimming team in 2022.

Radiotherapy is sometimes used as a second line of treatment after surgery to remove any remaining parts of the tumour. This process may involve Gamma Knife surgery, which is a form of stereotactic radiotherapy. This does not involve any surgical incisions, but is the delivery of multiple gamma rays that focus on the exact location of the tumour.

The high dose of radiation kills the tumour cells while avoiding the surrounding healthy tissue, minimising the risk of complications and side effects. The procedure takes between 15 minutes and several hours to perform, depending on the size  and location of the tumour. 

Stereotactic surgery is often used for more complex tumours or for patients who are not suitable candidates for conventional surgery. It is minimally invasive and usually the patient can go home from the hospital or clinic within the same day. After the procedure, the patient will be monitored with follow up scans and appointments. 

The cause of oligodendrogliomas is not fully understood, although research into brain tumours is continually ongoing to shed more light on why they develop, and how they can best be treated. The current understanding is that brain tumours are rarely preventable, but may be linked to a range of genetic and environmental causes.

There is some evidence that the risk of developing a small number of specific types of brain tumour may be increased by being overweight or obese. They are slightly more common in women than in men, and in both genders they are more common in people over the age of 75.

Understanding And Preparing For Gamma Knife Radiotherapy

Here at Amethyst Radiotherapy, we’ve been working closely with Radiotherapy UK to develop a new video series, which aims to help prepare brain tumour patients for Gamma Knife treatment, a type of radiotherapy.

This can be a daunting prospect at what is already a difficult time and the videos will take you through each step of the process to help demystify it and ease your natural apprehension.

The video shows a step-by-step guide to the Gamma Knife treatment and is supported by four additional videos from the medical team including the therapeutic radiographer, neurosurgeon, clinical oncologist and medical director.

Your diagnosis

A brain tumour diagnosis can cause major upheaval in the life of a patient and their loved ones. There is a lot of new information to take in, at a time when emotions can be running high and there are also practical issues to deal with, such as arranging time off work for treatment and dealing with paperwork and finances.

This can make the prospect of discussing and starting your treatment feel overwhelming. Every patient will have a dedicated medical team who will be able to guide them through their treatment options, based on the type and size of brain tumour they have and its location in the brain, and also their general state of health and personal wishes.

Patients with a certain type of brain tumour may be a suitable candidate for Gamma Knife radiotherapy. This is a highly focused form of radiotherapy that delivers tightly targeted high doses of radiation to the brain tumour. The radiation beams cause deliberate damage to the DNA of the tumour tissue, while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue largely untouched.

Brain tumours can affect people of all ages, and research is ongoing to understand more about what causes them. There are many different types of brain tumours, and they can cause different symptoms depending on the size and location in the brain. They are broadly categorised into two main groups: malignant and benign.

Malignant brain tumours are cancerous and fast growing, and benign brain tumours are usually slow growing and non-cancerous. However, the term benign can be misleading, because even non-cancerous tumours can cause serious symptoms and the tumour may need to be carefully monitored or removed if possible.

Some specific types of brain tumour are best suited to Gamma Knife radiotherapy, including metastases, acoustic neuroma, and meningioma, because they are well contained within one area of the brain. Other types of tumour such as gliomas may be less suitable for the treatment, because they tend to spread further through the brain.

Advice and guidance

Your medical team will provide you with expert advice and guidance on the treatment options open to you, based on the results of your biopsy and MRI scans. This will be a two-way process, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and be given time to think over your decision.

In some cases, a combination of traditional surgery, chemotherapy, and Gamma Knife radiotherapy may be the agreed way forward. Gamma Knife does not involve any incisions despite its name; it is delivered externally from a special machine designed to accurately focus high doses of radiation at a precisely targeted area.

This eliminates the immediate risks of traditional surgery such as infections and bleeding, and recovery times are much quicker. Typically the treatment is delivered in one dose and can take between ten minutes and several hours, depending on the nature and extent of the tumour. Occasionally, a second or third dose may be required.

Gamma Knife treatment is generally tolerated well with few side effects, and usually results in the tumour being well-controlled. Sometimes, patients may experience a delayed reaction, which might include headaches or occasionally seizures. Your medical team will fully explain all the risks and potential side-effects before your treatment starts.

If you make the decision to go ahead with Gamma Knife treatment, it can be helpful to know what to expect on the day. In most cases, the treatment will be delivered as a day case and you will not need to stay overnight in the hospital. Your medical team will discuss in advance if you do need to stay overnight.

What to expect

Before the treatment begins, you will have an MRI scan that will be examined by the radiologist and consultant. This process can take up to an hour or two, so bring some entertainment with you. The medics will use the information from the scan to locate the exact position of the tumour in your brain.

On the day of the treatment, it’s important that you wear comfortable clothing with no metal attachments or jewellery. If you wear a headscarf, you will have to remove it while the frame is fitted, but it can then be placed back on.  You will be fitted with a lightweight frame (or in some cases a mask) to make sure that your head is kept still during the treatment process.

You can eat and drink as normal beforehand, and you will be invited to use the bathroom directly before the process starts to ensure your comfort. However, you can also have toilet or water breaks during the treatment.

During the treatment, you will lie on a couch and your head and chest will be positioned in a large horizontal bucket-shaped device. You will not feel anything, and can leave your eyes open and listen to music or podcasts if you wish. There will be no one in the room with you, but you will be able to communicate with your medical team via an intercom system.

You will be automatically repositioned during the procedure so that the gamma rays can target slightly different areas of the tumour each time. Each exposure will take several minutes, and the whole procedure may take several hours.

When the treatment is over, you will be taken to a preparation room where the frame will be removed from your head. You may feel slightly sore and sensitive in this area for a few days after the procedure. Your medical team will discuss all the potential side effects with you, such as nausea, headache, or dizziness.

The treatment is non-invasive and you will not be radioactive afterwards, so you can resume normal procedures as soon as you feel able to do so. After the procedure, you will have follow up appointments and may have further scans if necessary to monitor your progress.

If you have any issues or concerns after your treatment, contact a member of your medical team and they will be able to discuss these with you.

TV Star Russell Grant Shares Update On Brain Tumour Journey

The TV star Russell Grant, best known for his astrology slot on breakfast shows in the 1980s and 90s, has shared an update on his pituitary gland tumour treatment after being diagnosed in 2022. The Metro reports that Grant has undergone surgery to remove a growth from the base of his brain.

The 73-year old, who is best known to younger audiences for his turn on Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 with professional partner Flavia Cacace, first opened up about his diagnosis in 2022 after admitting that he was in denial about his health. He underwent a gruelling five-hour surgery to remove the tumour that was threatening his eyesight.

Since the surgery, Grant has stayed away from the public eye until now, when he shared concerns that his diabetes might have returned. 

Grant posted on social media site X: “Morning. The latest news on my post pituitary brain tumour operation is the possibility I have returned to being diabetic. I was once Type 2 but controlled it by diet. However, it’s possible taking so many steroids to keep me going they’ve increased my blood sugar. Tests today.”

Pituitary gland tumours are growths that start on the pituitary gland, which is a small organ that sits in the base of the brain, often compared to the size of a pea. The majority of these tumours begin as adenomas and can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

Both types of tumour can cause severe symptoms that impact on health and quality of life, and they may require treatment to shrink or remove them. Early diagnosis is key to ensure a good outcome, although the success of any treatment will be dependent on a range of factors such as the age and overall health of the patient. 

Pituitary tumours are broadly classified into two types: non secreting tumours and secreting tumours. Non-secreting tumours don’t make hormones and are usually larger than secreting tumours, which do produce hormones that can cause endocrine disorders. However, non-secreting tumours can press on the optic nerve and potentially damage eyesight.

The pituitary gland has a range of functions so the symptoms will vary greatly between patients. Often the symptoms are related to hormonal fluctuations, including disruption to the menstrual cycles or early menopause. Children and adolescents may experience delayed puberty or sudden growth spurts.

Other symptoms include unexplained weight changes, low blood pressure, lethargy and fatigue, easy bruising of the skin, personality changes, changes to the sense of smell, nausea and vomiting, headaches, and vision changes such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision.

The exact causes of these tumours are unknown, although scientists believe that in a small number of cases there may be hereditary link. 

How are pituitary tumours treated?

The usual treatment options for pituitary tumours include surgery, chemotherapy, or a type of radiotherapy called stereotactic radiotherapy, sometimes also called Gamma Knife surgery. 

Stereotactic surgery is usually used for smaller tumours in an easily accessible part of the brain. It is not a traditional incision-based surgical procedure, but involves focusing very precisely targeted gamma rays on the tumour from multiple angles to deliberately damage the cells, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue intact. 

This type of surgery can shrink the tumour and prevent regrowth, and is sometimes used if not all of the tumour can be removed surgically, or if the tumour regrows after surgery. More rarely, cancerous tumours may be treated with chemotherapy drugs or a combination of the above. 

Smaller tumours that are not causing symptoms may be monitored closely for changes with MRI scans and checks on hormone levels, as part of a ‘watch and wait’ approach. If the tumour is causing hormone deficiencies, these may be addressed in some cases with hormone replacement therapy.

Living with a brain tumour can be challenging, as they can cause life changing symptoms that can disrupt careers, finances, and family life. Patients may be referred to support groups or counselling or talking therapy services for emotional support and practical advice about how to cope with their diagnosis.

After treatment, the patient may need to attend follow up appointments and rehabilitation sessions. 

For more information on pituitary tumours, please contact Ms Mary Murphy of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

New Initiatives Introduced For Brain Tumour Research Funding

A new package of research funding for brain tumours has been announced, and it is intended to boost new initiatives into developing better research and treatments. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) reports that the suite of initiatives is the largest ever combined package of the kind.

The funding is part of the government’s £40m investment into developing new treatments for brain tumours and improving patient care. However, The Brain Tumour Charity points out that the funding was originally announced in 2018, following the untimely death of Dame Tessa Jowell from the condition.

The new funding announcement is jointly led by the NIHR and the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM), and comes after an inquiry and consultation sessions between the government, researchers, charities, and the wider brain tumour community. 

An investigation found that six years after the death of Dame Tessa Jowell, only £15m of the allocated £40m had been spent. This led to an all-party parliamentary inquiry into the allocation of the funds, and to assess the progress made so far. 

The inquiry found that there was too much focus on funding the later parts of the research process, when potential new treatments are developed.

NIHR told the inquiry that so little of the funding had been allocated for research because they received too few applications that met the quality threshold. However, because the whole field of brain tumours has traditionally been underfunded and under researched, there needs to be more focus on understanding how brain tumours grow and develop.  

The inquiry also found that there were significant barriers to running clinical trials, including patchy access around the country and a lack of time and resources within the NHS. The pharmaceutical industry was also represented at the inquiry, and raised concerns about the complex regulatory framework around running clinical trials. 

The subsequent report generated from the findings of the inquiry has led to the reformed funding packages, as announced by the NIHR for the allocation of the remaining portion of the £40m. Among the new measures announced is a national consortium to develop a network for the delivery of brain tumour trials. 

There will also be a greater focus on funding research into the quality of life of patients, including the standard of care, support, and rehabilitation that they receive. The Tessa Jowell Allied Health Professional (AHP) research fellowships are a new initiative to build an evidence base for the importance of rehabilitation for people with a brain tumour. 

Finally, the reforms will include measures to attract and retain more early career researchers who will focus on brain cancer, in order to boost the quantity and quality of the research that is being carried out in the field. 

The Brain Tumour Charity, who have campaigned consistently for the funding to be properly allocated, have welcomed the announcement of the new initiatives. However, they point out that there are remaining barriers to be overcome, particularly around the setting up and implementation of clinical trials. 

The charity currently believes that there are too many obstacles that prevent scientific breakthroughs in the field from being translated into medicines that can effectively be delivered to treat patients. This has led to the establishing of a new Translational Research Fund by the charity, backed by £2.2 funding.

Dr Michele Afif, Chief Executive, commented: “We are delighted to see a clear commitment to ensuring that the money promised in 2018 will be spent.”

“Our attendance at the roundtable is the first step in working alongside Government, the NIHR, the TJBCM and other key partners at a series of workshops that will ensure this money is spent where it will have the biggest possible impact, by bringing new treatments to patients through innovative clinical trial models and quality of life research.”

Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR CEO, said: “This transformative brain tumour research funding we are announcing is a key moment in our search for novel therapies and better treatments to save lives and improve the quality of life for patients with this condition.”

She added: “We are pressing ahead in this innovative new step, made possible due to our strong and collaborative partnership with charities, patients, the life sciences industry and the brain tumour community.”

“As we continue this journey together, it shows the crucial value of world-leading research shaped and funded by the public, integrated across the health and care system.”

Nicky Huskens, CEO of TJBCM, said: “Today’s announcements represent a transformative investment in the brain tumour community. It is a testament to the hard work and tireless campaigning of charities, patients and family members that we are where we are today; with the real possibility of discovering new treatment and care options for patients.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Government and the NIHR to develop these new initiatives, and we are confident that what will be announced today really does reflect the urgent needs of the community.”

“Dame Tessa Jowell told us all not to just put brain cancer in the ‘too difficult’ box, so it is crucial that, almost six years to the day of her death, we double down on the progress we have made and give families and patients more hope for the future.”

The new funding call will be supported by workshops delivered by the TJBCM to provide ongoing support and guidance for the brain cancer research community. A national consortium will be launched to drive step change into brain tumour research, and it will prioritise recent developments such as precision medicine.

Currently, one of the most precise and effective methods for treating brain tumours is Gamma Knife surgery. 

This is a form of radiotherapy that doesn’t involve traditional incisions, but is a method of externally delivering highly focused radiation beams from multiple angles to target the cancer cells, whilst leaving the remaining healthy cells untouched.

For more information about brain tumour treatment, please contact Mr Neil Kitchen of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Why Are Non-Invasive Treatments Such As Radiosurgery Vital?

When someone is diagnosed with a lesion, tumour or growth on the brain, they are given a wide variety of options, but if it is at all possible, they will be advised to have a treatment such as Gamma Knife at a radiotherapy centre.

Besides the fact that Lars Leksell’s pioneering stereotactic radiosurgery treatment is highly effective, fast and takes far less time to treat and recover from than conventional brain surgery would, it also has the key feature that it is non-invasive.

The concept of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments in medical care is the core philosophy at the heart of modern medicine, and as long as a more minimally invasive treatment is effective, it is more likely to be recommended by a doctor.

Despite it being a more modern philosophical take, the balance between choosing effective treatments and the consequences of said treatments is a question that has been asked since the very start of medicine as we know it.

Primum Non Nocere

One of the core principles of medicine is the concept of doing no harm, even if the specific phrase does not appear in historic versions of the Hippocratic Oath.

The concept of “first do no harm”, which is at the core of modern questions about appropriate treatments comes from Hippocrates’ Epidemics Book I (Section II, Second Constitution, Section 5).

In it, he notes that the “physician” must have what he defines as “two special objects” in mind when it comes to the treatment of disease; either they must do good or do no harm to a patient. 

This principle is at the core of minimally invasive treatment; doctors should in all fields of medicine avoid overprescribing medication, recommending unnecessarily invasive treatments and doing anything more than is necessary to receive the ideal medical outcome.

In the field of brain surgery, where the margin of error is practically nonexistent, this is even more important, and in many cases outside of critical emergency treatments, the least invasive treatment is the correct option for a patient.

Mr Leksell himself came to this conclusion, albeit in a rather unusual way; he believed strongly in bloodless surgery for reasons that were as much aesthetic and based on an aversion to blood as they are based on fundamental principles or any empirical evidence available in the 1930s.

This led to a decades-long devotion to a form of surgery that required no incision, and this ultimately led to the development of the Gamma Knife and the entire field of stereotactic radiosurgery.

Practical Benefits Of Minimal Invasion

Besides philosophical and aesthetic reasons for wanting minimally invasive treatments, there is the notion of timescales and recovery to consider.

A Gamma Knife treatment takes between 30 minutes and four hours, depending on the complexity of the treatment, and whilst there is a small amount of aftercare, most people are able to go home after their radiotherapy treatment.

Contrast that with an equivalent brain surgery, which typically would require stitches or staples to be applied, and as a result of this and the need to monitor a patient’s condition, people can spend up to a week in the hospital, although this varies considerably depending on the complexity of the treatment.

This is a huge reason why surgery is avoided where possible, as the difference between half a day and a week of monitored recovery, followed by rehabilitation is massive, and the implications on a person from a personal, physical and financial perspective cannot be overlooked.

Mr Leksell was ahead of his time in this consideration, even if it took decades for others inspired by his pioneering work to develop the evidence base to change medicine.

An aspiring neurologist would pick up the mantle and ultimately change the practice of medicine in this direction, although the path he took was far from straightforward itself.

The Father Of Minimally Invasive Treatment

Whilst Hippocrates developed the basic principle and Gamma Knife was one of the first tools developed with this in mind, the man to both coin the term and fundamentally shift medicine in the direction of minimal invasion was John Wickham.

Born in Chichester in 1927, around the time Mr Leksell was starting to develop his philosophy and his skills as a neurologist, Mr Wickham wanted to follow in those footsteps and also become a neurologist, although he would ultimately switch to renal medicine.

Whilst he would be an exceptionally skilled urologist, his greatest achievement was in changing the philosophy of medicine and surgery and giving a phrase to a concept that had been on the minds of countless surgeons and radiologists regardless of speciality.

In 1984, Mr Wickham was the man to coin the term “minimally invasive treatment” in the context of surgery and wrote about it in a famous and influential article in the British Medical Journal in 1987.

From the very first line of the article, he noted that surgeons of the time favoured huge incisions compared to the then-novel practice of “keyhole surgery”, whilst patients wanted the “smallest wound possible”, which in the case of radiosurgery involves no incision whatsoever.

Whilst he invented the term, he noted that the concepts and technologies had been evolving since 1960, around the time that radiosurgery was starting to be adopted, and certain specialist fields had developed either non-invasive or minimally invasive alternative treatments for conditions.

He conceived of a world where, by the year 2017, most non-emergency surgery would be undertaken by radiologists and keyhole surgeons, with open surgeries limited to emergency treatments, and this is essentially how the field of medical development turned out.

Rather ironically, the next article was entitled “Retreat from openness”, and this is the exact world the Gamma Knife developed and a necessity to protect patients, improve recovery and give people more options for treatment without an expectation of a long recovery period.

There has always been and may always be room to develop and improve medical principles; diagnostic techniques are ever-improving and allowing for lesions on the brain to be spotted quicker and treated with similar rapidity, and the future of surgery may involve no incision at all.

US Ballerina Gives Up Career To Research MS In Scotland

An American ballerina has given up her dance career to research multiple sclerosis (MS) in Scotland. BBC News reports that Emily Davis worked at the Philadelphia Ballet company for six years before moving to Glasgow in 2021, where she embarked on a PhD in dance health at Glasgow Caledonian University. 

Ms Davis’ research will investigate how dance classes can help people living with MS, an  autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the central nervous system. It’s more common in countries that lie further north or south of the equator, and the condition is disproportionately prevalent in Scotland compared to England and Wales.

Other northern hemisphere countries such as Canada have above average rates of MS. However, it is not yet clear what the reasons for this are, although research is currently ongoing. The causes of MS are not fully understood, although scientists believe that genetics make up about 50 per cent of the risk of getting MS.

There is a theory that lack of sunshine may be another risk factor for MS, which might explain why more people in the far north of Scotland are living with MS than almost anywhere else in the world. There is also some evidence that being exposed to certain viruses, smoking, obesity, and long-term exposure to certain solvents may increase the risk. 

MS is not a terminal disease, and it can be treated but not cured. Everyone’s symptoms will vary according to the particular part of the brain or spinal cord that has been damaged. Some people only have mild symptoms and they only have a minor impact on their day to day lives, while others may live with a degree of disability. 

Some people with MS find that their symptoms get gradually worse over time, while others have flare ups followed by a period of recovery, which is known as relapsing remitting MS. There are medical treatments known as disease modifying drugs that can treat the underlying condition of MS, and they can slow down the progress of the disease.

Some people with MS have therapies such as physiotherapy, and complementary therapies that might include yoga, pilates, reflexology, or meditation, to treat their symptoms. MS can affect balance, coordination, mobility, energy levels and cognitive function, and research has shown that exercise can help to ease these symptoms. 

Ms Davis explained to the BBC that her research was inspired by the use of movement and dance to treat other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease. 

She said: “When I looked at dance for other neurological conditions, I found that there were only 13 studies on dance for MS, so there was only limited research in this area, and we are aware of really only a handful of dance programmes around the world.”

“We know that movement, especially rhythmic movement like dance, can be really beneficial for movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Scottish Ballet is at the forefront of dance for MS in the UK and globally, so it’s been the best place to start.”

Professor Lorna Paul, a rehabilitation expert in allied health science at Glasgow Caledonian University, commented on Ms Davis’ work: “Emily’s ground-breaking research has provided evidence on potential benefits of ballet for people with MS for the first time.”

She added: “People with MS can have problems with movement and balance which can be helped with exercise. Ballet is a form of physical activity which may be more expressive, fun and with a stronger social component than traditional forms of rehabilitation.”

“Emily’s PhD has been the catalyst for the successful collaboration between Glasgow Caledonian, RCS and Scottish Ballet, and this collaboration will continue to grow and strengthen thanks to Emily’s work.”

In 2019, research by the University of Edinburgh confirmed that Scotland has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with the highest incidences in Orkney and Tayside. It also found that women were over twice as likely to develop MS than men. 

The study was carried out by researchers from The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic in Edinburgh, which was established with a donation from the Harry Potter author JK Rowling, whose mother passed away with MS aged 45. 

For more information about multiple sclerosis and nerve damage, and also to find out about Gamma Knife surgery, please contact Mr Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Trial To Use mRNA Cancer Vaccine For Brain Tumour Treatment

A clinical trial has just been completed that may lead to a breakthrough treatment for an aggressive form of brain tumour known as a glioblastoma. Science Daily reports that the first-ever human trial of four adults has taken place for an mRNA cancer vaccine, following promising results on a trial involving ten canines. 

The mRNA treatment works by triggering the body’s own immune system to attack the cancer cells. It was developed by researchers from the University of Florida, and it is reported to show results within 48 hours of being injected. The scientists were surprised by the rapid response of the immune cells, describing the trial as a ‘breakthrough.’

Glioblastomas are grade 4 brain tumours, which means that they are cancerous and can spread quickly to other parts of the brain, and are the most common high-grade brain tumour in adults. Prognosis varies depending on the size and location of the tumour, but the average survival rate after diagnosis is just 12 to 18 months. 

Glioblastomas can be treated with chemotherapy or specialised types of radiotherapy such as Gamma Knife Surgery, depending on the location in the brain and the overall health of the patient. However, there is a strong possibility that the tumour may return even after it has been surgically removed. 

The symptoms of a glioblastoma vary according to where it is in the brain. Commonly occurring symptoms include headaches, memory problems, fatigue, problems with eyesight, speech and communication difficulties, mood swings or personality changes, trouble with cognitive function and seizures.

The new mRNA trial showed that glioblastoma patients either lived longer than predicted, or remained free of cancer for longer after other forms of treatment. The researchers are hopeful that the mRNA vaccine could eventually lead to a new model for brain cancer treatment. Further trials of the vaccine will now go ahead on a larger group of 24 patients.  

Senior author Elias Sayour, a UF Health paediatric oncologist who pioneered the vaccine, told The Independent: “In less than 48 hours, we could see these tumours shifting from what we refer to as ‘cold’ – immune cold, very few immune cells, very silenced immune response – to ‘hot’, very active immune response.”

He added: “That was very surprising given how quick this happened, and what that told us is we were able to activate the early part of the immune system very rapidly against these cancers, and that’s critical to unlock the later effects of the immune response.”

“I am hopeful that this could be a new paradigm for how we treat patients, a new platform technology for how we can modulate the immune system. I am hopeful for how this could now synergize with other immunotherapies and perhaps unlock those immunotherapies.

“We showed in this paper that you actually can have synergy with other types of immunotherapies, so maybe now we can have a combination approach of immunotherapy.”

The full study is published in the journal Cell, and the authors explain how they made use of mRNA technology that was used to develop Covid-19 treatments. However, the cancer-fighting vaccine makes use of the patient’s own tumour cells to create a personalised vaccine, greatly increasing the chance of success. 

The brain tumour vaccine also makes use of a highly sophisticated delivery mechanism involving clusters of particles rather than single particles. This is designed to alert the immune system, and clusters will have more impact than single particles. 

Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program and a co-author of the paper, explained: 

“The demonstration that making an mRNA cancer vaccine in this fashion generates similar and strong responses in mice, dogs that have developed cancer spontaneously and human patients with brain cancer is a really important finding, because often we don’t know how well the preclinical studies in animals are going to translate into similar responses in patients.”

“And while mRNA vaccines and therapeutics are certainly a hot topic since the COVID pandemic, this is a novel and unique way of delivering the mRNA to generate these really significant and rapid immune responses that we’re seeing across animals and humans.”

After the upcoming trial of 24 patients, plans are already in place to widen the trials to include children. 

If you would like some more information on Gamma Knife surgery and Brain cancer treatment, please contact Mr Neil Kitchen of Amethyst Radiotherapy.  

MS Patients Encouraged To Seek Help For Sensitive Symptoms

A new survey carried out by the MS Society has found that up to a third of patients avoid or delay seeking treatment because they feel embarrassed about their symptoms. Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, poor coordination, memory problems, bladder control problems, and sexual dysfunction.

The survey was carried out as part of MS Awareness Week 2024, which took place at the end of April. This year, the MS Society has focused on highlighting those symptoms of the condition that can be difficult to talk about, in an effort to break taboos and empower people to speak up.

The survey of 1,400 people found that 85 per cent of respondents found one or more of their MS symptoms embarrassing. More than half (59 per cent) were embarrassed about bladder problems, while 27 per cent felt embarrassed about sexual dysfunction. Just under half (49 per cent) of respondents felt embarrassed about walking issues such as wavering.

The survey also revealed that 22 per cent of respondents keep their symptoms hidden from partners, while some 49 per cent would not feel comfortable discussing a sexual dysfunction problem with a healthcare professional. 

Kerry Riches, a reality TV star who took part in the last series of Big Brother, lives with relapsing MS and has spoken about her experiences of bladder and bowel problems. She is working with the MS Society as part of their MS Unfiltered theme, to help normalise talking about issues that many people find sensitive or uncomfortable to talk about. 

Kerry says: “While bladder and bowel issues will always be slightly embarrassing, for many of us living with MS it’s just something we have to come to terms with.”

My bladder is rubbish, if I sneeze I wee, I never go anywhere without a spare pair of knickers and I’ve been wearing pads since I was 24 because I am constantly weeing or leaking. I’ve even wet myself on a plane before. I’ve teamed up with the MS Society on this campaign as I want to show the unfiltered side of MS and show others that they are not alone.” 

It is estimated that there are 130,000 people in the UK living with MS, which is an autoimmune condition that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It’s almost three times more common in women than men, and is most often diagnosed when people are in their 20s or 30s. 

It is not inherited, although there is a slightly higher risk of developing MS if you have a family member with the condition. The symptoms can be wide ranging, because it affects the central nervous system that controls every movement of the body. 

Most newly diagnosed people report symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty walking such as tripping, stumbling, or a heaviness in the legs; eyesight problems; unusual sensations on the skin such as pins and needles or numbness; and difficulty with memory or concentration. It can also cause the aforementioned bladder, bowel, and sexual function problems.

Dr Panna Muqit, an NHS GP and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of St Andrews, explained to the MS Society:

“I speak to many patients living with MS and understand the difficulty in discussing challenging symptoms with your GP. Sharing your symptoms can prevent the problem from escalating by allowing the exploration of new treatments, or adjustments to your diet or lifestyle.”

In addition to your GP, there are other healthcare professionals, such as an MS nurse, an incontinence specialist, or a neurologist, who can assist you with potentially embarrassing MS symptoms.”

“It’s crucial to remember that you are not alone. I strongly encourage patients to engage with others who are experiencing the same symptoms through support groups or MS charities.”

The MS Society runs a free helpline for MS patients to seek advice and support, and there is a wealth of useful information available on their website. There are several ways of managing the various symptoms of MS, and healthcare professionals are trained to identify the best approaches for individual patients. 

For more information about the treatment of multiple sclerosis and Gamma Knife surgery, please contact Mr Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

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Amethyst Radiotherapy achieves high-rise Gamma Knife source loader crane installation in Central London

Amethyst Radiotherapy a leader in cutting-edge cancer treatment, specifically Stereotactic Radiosurgery, is proud to announce the successful upgrade of its Gamma Knife machine at its prestigious Queen Square centre in Central London.

Specialised cranage equipment was used, lifting over 15 tonnes of equipment between the 2 high-rise buildings located in Central London. The Source Loader weighed approximately nine tonnes, with the radiation vault at roughly 5 tonnes – a variety of other equipment also required specialist transportation.

The Gamma Knife source loader is a sophisticated device used to precisely position radioactive sources, specifically cobalt-60, within the Gamma Knife machine.

This technology is critical for targeting and treating brain tumours with high doses of radiation, whilst minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The precision of the source loader is vital for the effectiveness and safety of Gamma Knife radiotherapy, offering non-invasive treatment options for patients with various neurological conditions and metastatic brain tumours.

Issues were faced – including an unrelated protest march which prevented the access and delivery of equipment, vehicles not following the temporary parking restrictions and more.

The complicated installation process underscores the intricate logistics undertaken by the Amethyst team to ensure a safe and efficient installation, reducing disruption to the surrounding area, whilst continuing to strive to deliver world class treatment.

Following the successful installation, the equipment will soon be resuming treatment of NHS and private patients.

Daniel Lumley, Director of Clinical Operations, Amethyst UK commented:

“The logistical challenges of transporting and installing the source loader and radiation vault were formidable, particularly given the dense urban environment of central London.”

“The use of a crane was essential for positioning these heavy and sensitive components with precision. Our team’s expertise in navigating these complexities was critical to the successful upgrade of our facilities – I’d like to thank all involved, from within Amethyst and the outside contractors who contributed to the project’s success.”

Mr Neil Kitchen, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Medical Director for the Queen Square Gamma Knife Unit commented:

“The reloading of our state of the art gamma knife treatment platform with brand new cobalt radiation sources will halve treatment times for our patients making their therapy less onerous and allowing us to treat many more patients efficiently thus reducing waiting times. As Clinical Director, on behalf of the clinical team, I would like to thank Amethyst UK and UCLH for completing this complicated task.”