Brain Science: TBSI Annual Symposium

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By Hannah Gerken

For those not familiar with the medical field, the thought of attending a lecture to understand how the brain and spine interact can be intimidating. The Texas Brain & Spine Institute makes this knowledge accessible to everyone with the 11th Annual Neuroscience Symposium on Monday, Sept. 25, at 5pm. The event will be held in the Hall of Champions at Kyle Field.

“[Our] goal is that when people walk away from this symposium, they will say ‘I didn’t know that.’” says neuropsychologist Dr. Nancy Leslie, who is also the main coordinator for the event.

At the symposium, which is free and open to the public, attendees are able to increase their understanding of how the brain works. The main speaker for the event will be Dr. Iain McGilchrist, psychiatrist and TED Talk speaker.

Dr. McGilchrist’s TED Talk, “The Divided Brain & The Making of the Western World,” uses cartoons to illustrate and describe the differences between the left and right halves of the human brain. It can help patients and the public understand symptoms, conditions, and the overall workings of the brain. Dr. Leslie frequently refers patients to his TED Talk as an instructive tool in the healing process.

“Knowledge is power,” Dr. Leslie says. “The more you know about your brain, the more control you have. The brain is the last frontier. We are learning so much about how the brain can even heal itself.”

Along with Dr. McGilchrist’s talk, symposium attendees have the opportunity to explore a series of mini-courses. There are three categories of courses: How to Maintain a Healthy Brain, Disorders of the Brain, and Treatment in the Brain and Spine. Each of the categories will be divided into four smaller talks with four speakers. The talks will run simultaneously throughout the room and attendees will be able to move among them depending on interest.

The symposium is free to the public. To register or find more information, visit www.txbsi.com/research/neuroscience-symposium. The mini-courses run from 5:30pm to 7:05pm. Dr. McGilchrist will speak at 7:15pm. Parking is free and easily accessible.