We unlock the power of neuroscience to ease suffering and enhance human potential. We’re on a mission to transform the way the world treats neurological problems with effective, accessible and non-pharmaceutical solutions that harness the latest in science, technology, engineering and big data.
DESIGN
TECHNOLOGY
POTENTIAL
AXON
Our proprietary Axon system employs electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback and combines miniaturised technology, Cloud-based AI and consumer-friendly apps to enable patients to self-treat pain and other neurological conditions at home or in a professional setting. Axon works by monitoring brain activity and then helping the patient retrain their brain to interpret nerve signals in a different way.
Research
Exsurgo is rapidly expanding the global database of quality clinical trials and studies to confirm the effectiveness of its technologies for a range of neurologically-related conditions, prior to commercial rollout.
RECENT NEWS
Chronic neuropathic pain after surgery is a significant clinical problem (Borsook et al 2013). People with this pain condition may experience shooting, burning pain, numbness or pins and needles, or hypersensitivity to pain. The pain may be constant or may occur intermittently. Unlike most other types of pain, neuropathic pain does not usually get better with common painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Other medicines commonly used include anti-depressants and anti-convulsant.
Two patients with chronic neuropathic pain following back operations successfully used the Axon intervention to reduce pain and increasing mobility.
When we're feeling down, we're often told we should reconnect with friends and loved ones. Why does spending quality time with loved ones make such a difference to our mental wellbeing? Our brains are wired for social connection, says social psychologist and neuroscientist Matthew Lieberman. Just as we have a basic need for food and shelter, we also have the need to belong to a group and form relationships. When we aren't doing anything, our brain automatically falls into a neural configuration called the "default network". This brain configuration is almost identical to the one used for social thinking or making sense of other people and ourselves. In other words, our default state of mind is to be social. So the next time you're forced to choose between working late or joining your family for dinner, remind yourself that you're a social creature designed to connect with the people around you. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Physical and emotional pain often go hand in hand. When we're dealing with excruciating and persistent pain, it's not only the physical sensations we have to deal with. Our emotions are often just as intense as the physical sensations. Why is this happening to me? Will this pain ever go away? Research shows that chronic pain is closely tied with other health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This can lead to a cycle where your pain causes feelings of anxiety, low mood, fatigue and sleeplessness which results in increased pain. And before you know it, you're caught in an endless cycle. Treating your emotional wellbeing can have a positive effect on your physical wellbeing and build momentum to catapult you out of this spiral. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
After years of suffering with chronic pain, Hazel wanted a treatment option that put her back in control of her own life. Her pain dictated her life for many years and caused a massive disruption to her personality and social life. She seriously dedicated herself to Axon training for 3-4 months when she started to gain control of her life again. We hope that soon our Axon headset will be available to all chronic pain sufferers who want to get in the driver's seat of their life once again.
Whether it’s chronic pain, Parkinson’s or prostate cancer, we rely on ongoing research and innovation to improve patient outcomes. These illnesses don’t stop during a pandemic and early research shows that long Covid has the potential to increase the prevalence of chronic pain in the population. COVID-19 cases put immense pressure on our healthcare sector. Not only are our health staff stretched and non-urgent surgeries delayed, but pertinent health research can be at risk of being put on hold. Innovation and the search for solutions can be stymied. In our latest blog post, Richard Little argues that health research needs to adapt, no matter the conditions. Have a read by following the link below.
Fibromyalgia presents itself in the body in many different ways, meaning no single treatment will ease every symptom. Therefore, patients usually receive numerous medications and interventions to help with their quality of life. We hope that our Axon headset will be a useful treatment option for fibromyalgia sufferers around the world - like Derryl (53) who was suffering from fibromyalgia for 15 years before taking part in our UK chronic pain study.
While fibromyalgia is a life-long condition, it is possible to live well and manage the symptoms with and without the use of medications. Most people live well with fibromyalgia once they have learned ways of coping with the problems it can pose, even if the pain is still there. For our followers with this condition - what treatment option has helped ease your symptoms?
Fibromyalgia is a condition causing pain and stiffness around joints and in muscles and bones. It is thought to be a disorder of how the nervous system processes sensory information (nociplastic pain) where it becomes more sensitive to sensory input than normal. The condition is often difficult to diagnose as the symptoms can vary considerably - but new diagnostic criteria includes the full spectrum of symptoms and related conditions.
Healthtech innovators and entrepreneurs around New Zealand are solving real-world problems and driving incredible health outcomes around the world. The Technology Investment Network Ltd (TIN) has launched a new report, providing an in-depth insight into the growth of New Zealand's Healthtech export sector for Government, investors and media. Our Chief Operating Officer Jiva Muthu joined the launch’s panel discussion with fellow industry experts discussing the future growth and success of New Zealand’s healthtech sector. Speaking on the opportunities for healthtech, Jiva said: "As we continue to live longer, do more and achieve more, we are seeing more age-related ailments. We have to drive efficiencies into our overwhelmed healthcare system, and one way to do this is to ensure we provide solutions that are affordable, accessible and effective at home." We're incredibly excited about the growing potential of healthtech in New Zealand and around the world - follow the link to access the full report, featuring a profile of Exsurgo as a successful New Zealand business in this space. https://tin100.com/product/2022-healthtech-report/
Men and women respond to pain differently, according to new research published in the clinical journal 'Brain'. Comparing how pain signals are transmitted to the brain via the spinal cord, researchers found that hormones significantly altered how women responded to pain. Last night, our Chief Science Officer Christine Ozolins spoke with Bryan Crump (from Nights on RNZ National) about what this research means for how we treat and support chronic pain sufferers - 80% of whom are women. "Historically, pain research has been exclusively carried out on men. Now that we know male and female bodies do in fact respond differently to pain, this research should be the springboard for a complete re-think of how women's pain is researched and treated. I think we can do better and we must do better." Follow the link to listen to the full interview.
We’re calling on migraine sufferers to take part in a survey that will help improve how we support and treat Kiwis living with this debilitating condition. Our friends at the Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand are conducting a survey to understand the burden and impact of migraines across the country. The survey includes questions about treatments you’ve tried, health services you’ve used and any issues or challenges living with migraines has on your professional and personal life. Your participation will provide robust data to support the Migraine Foundation’s advocacy for better support and treatments for people who suffer from migraines. Follow the link to find out more and complete the survey: http://ow.ly/mLeX50Ku4vj
How far does mindfulness go for people feeling ongoing pain? Well, Medical News Today reports new research finding that mindfulness meditation significantly reduced the intensity and unpleasantness of pain by uncoupling the pain-processing part of the brain (the thalamus) from the brain regions responsible for self-referential processing. The study suggests that mindfulness meditation-induced pain relief can be used by individuals seeking a fast-acting and non-pharmacologic pain treatment. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mindfulness-meditation-changes-how-the-brain-processes-and-perceives-pain
Migraines are best explained through four stages: pro-drome, aura, attack and post-drome. Not everyone who has migraines goes through all four stages - but knowing the warning signs of a migraine can help you prepare and make them less painful. Scroll through to understand the journey of a migraine's stages.
We still don't completely understand what causes migraines. However, research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play an important role, including: 1. Fluctuations in estrogen, such as before or during menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause 2. Stress at work or home 3. Bright or flashing lights, loud sounds, and strong smells 4. Missing sleep or having too much sleep 5. A change of weather or barometric pressure 6. Oral contraceptives and vasodilators (medications that dilate blood vessels), such as nitroglycerin If you're a migraine sufferer, what tends to trigger yours?
When most people hear the term 'migraine', they often associate that with a severe headache. However, headaches are only one symptom of migraines and they can range in severity and length. Just ask the 1 in 10 New Zealanders who regularly suffer from migraines. This week, we're taking a deep dive into this debilitating condition that's more common than you might think.
