Pride of Australia Medal 2015: Professor’s breakthrough in treating MND

AN Australian neurophysicist has given Motor ­Neurone Disease sufferers a head start in the fight against the deadly illness.

AN Australian neurophysicist has given Motor ­Neurone Disease sufferers a head start in the fight against the deadly illness.

It was a sad fact Australians struck down with the ­illness also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis would become completely disabled or die within five years of noticing their first symptoms — a prognosis made even worse by the fact that a proper diagnosis could take up to two years.

Jodie Bell 32 from Newcastle receiving treatment from Associate Professor Steve Vucic at Westmead Hospital.

This was up until Westmead Hospital director of neurophysiology Steve Vucic helped devise a quicker and more effective test that ­allows a diagnosis from as early as two months.

NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR A PRIDE OF AUSTRALIA MEDAL

The breakthrough has ­enabled treatment to begin earlier, potentially increasing survival time and the remaining quality of life before ­patients become paralysed.

Prof Vucic’s tireless ­dedication to improving the lives of ALS sufferers has earned him a deserving nomination in the Care and Compassion category for a Pride of ­Australia Medal, proudly supported by ClubsNSW.

Nominate someone who deserves recognition at prideofaustralia.co.au until July 19.