Doctoral Fellowship awarded to Walton Centre neurosurgical trainee exploring cognitive rehabilitation

Neurosurgical Trainee Mr Ahmad Ali has been awarded a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Doctoral Fellowship, to continue vital research assessing the extent of cognitive problems suffered by patients with brain tumours, and exploring an exciting device that might help with cognitive rehabilitation.

The fellowship, which will fund Mr Ali’s research for the next three years, will look into the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a non-invasive technique commonly used for depression and other neurological conditions. During his PhD he will use advanced MRI scans to gain a deeper insight into what underlies cognitive problems. 

Mr Ali said:

“I’m honoured to be awarded this fellowship from the NIHR, and really delighted that I can continue research that addresses a real patient need. It’s exciting to be able to explore a new use for this device and get a better understanding of cognitive problems.”

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It is a safe and effective treatment option for various mental health conditions, including depression. If successful, the findings of this new research can potentially be extended to other neurosurgical patient groups. 

This fellowship is one of the first to be awarded to a clinician at The Walton Centre, and one of few to be awarded in Liverpool.

The Walton Centre’s Deputy Chief Executive and Medical Officer Dr Andrew Nicolson said:

“It’s so important to support research, and just as importantly, the people driving the research such as Mr Ali. I am pleased that research such as this is being done here at The Walton Centre, which will potentially go on to benefit a number of our patients in the future.”

Visit The Walton Centre website here.

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