Dr Ross Balchin

Published: Jan 11, 2019 by Neuropsychoanalysis
Authors: Balchin, R.

An article that highlights new perspectives and new resources 20 years after the field of Neuropsychoanalysis began.

Published: Jan 04, 2019 by Cortex
Authors: Blake, Y., Terburg, D., Balchin, R., van Honk, J., & Solms, M.

Neuroimaging studies have repeatedly shown amygdala activity during sleep (REM and NREM). Consequently, various theorists propose central roles for the amygdala in dreaming – particularly in the generation of dream affects, which seem to play a major role in dream plots. However, a causal role for the amygdala in dream phenomena has never been demonstrated.

Published: Jan 05, 2018 by Panamerican Journal of Neuropsychology
Authors: Coetzer, R., Yeates, G., Balchin, R., & Schmidt, K.

This paper explores the African concept of ubuntu, and its potential to influence our thinking about the delivery of long-term health and social care within a neurorehabilitation context. Particular consideration is given to the potential importance of achieving longer-term social connectedness for clients and their relatives after neuro-rehabilitation interventions have finished.

Published: Jun 01, 2017 by SA Journal of Oncology, 1, a19
Authors: Burger, H., Mac Gregor, H., Balchin, R., & Parkes, J.D.

Treatment options for acoustic neuromas (ANs) are limited in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) is a clinically acceptable treatment option for departments where no other radiosurgery options are available.

Published: Jan 01, 2017 by World Neurosurgery, 97, 156–168.
Authors: Andrew, S., Rothemeyer, S., & Balchin, R.

The Western Cape Province of South Africa has a great shortage of diagnostic expertise, rehabilitative infrastructure, and support services for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The neurosurgical outpatient setting is busy and often chaotic, and patients are frequently lost to follow-up. This study sought to continue with the design and development of a comprehensive, yet brief tool to aid patient referrals and ensure that no consequence of TBI is left unidentified and unaddressed.

Published: Aug 01, 2016 by Journal of Affective Disorders, 200, 218–221.
Authors: Balchin, R., Linde, J., Blackhurst, D., Rauch, H.G.L., & Schönbächler, G.

Moderate- and high-intensity exercise improved depression levels, while very-low intensity exercise did not have as beneficial an effect. β-endorphin results were inconclusive. Participants showed a slight decrease in PANIC and FEAR, and increased SEEKING.

Published: Jan 26, 2015 by South African Medical Journal, 105, 195-198.
Authors: Webster, J., Taylor, A., & Balchin, R.

The experiences of TBI survivors and their family members served to inform the development of simple, integrated coping strategies, namely two S-Plan tools, one for survivors and their families/caregivers and the other for care workers, in conjunction with counselling and support group processes. The S-Plan constitutes a discharge resource to inform patients and carers and provide practical solutions for the problems they face in caring for family members who have suffered TBI.

Published: Apr 01, 2014 by Journal of Radiosurgery and SBRT, 3, 1-11.
Authors: Burger, H., Vernimmen, F. J. A. I., Dugmore, D., Parkes, J. D., & Balchin, R.M.

This prospective pilot study investigated whether intracranial stereotactic irradiation induces cognitive changes in patients with cranial and base of skull lesions that did not directly involve the brain parenchyma. The value of a software-based psychometric approach to neurocognitive testing was also examined.

Published: Sep 01, 2010 by South African Journal of Psychology, 40, 250-261.
Authors: Mosdell, J., Balchin, R., & Ameen, O.

Two aphasia tests — the Cookie Theft Test and the Boston Naming Test — were adapted to help eliminate western cultural, language and education bias in neurocognitive screening in South Africa.

By: Dr Ross Balchin

Dr Ross Balchin, a clinical neuropsychologist based at Groote Schuur Hospital and guest lecturer in the Department of Psychology, has won the prestigious British Psychological Society (BPS) Book Award. Working with Brain Injury: A primer for psychologists working in under-resourced settingsscooped the Practitioner Text category.