KINGSTON, Jamaica — The introduction of cutting-edge brain stimulation technology at the Everbrook Brain Institute and Cognitive Clinic in the Corporate Area is being hailed as a game-changer for advanced neurological care in the Caribbean.

The clinic and its ground-breaking technology were launched on March 10 at the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), which provided the funds through JN Bank to finance the project.

The clinic was co-founded by Dr Francene Gayle, consultant stroke neurologist and former chief medical officer at Andrews Memorial Hospital, and her husband, Dr Steve Lawrence, an expert in technology, curriculum, eLearning, artificial intelligence (AI) and research.

The clinic will offer a multidisciplinary approach to care, bringing together neurologists, psychologists and neuropsychologists to support patients with complex brain health conditions.

Integral to the facility’s services is transcranial pulse stimulation, a non-invasive technology that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to target acoustic pulses to specific areas of the brain.

According to Dr Gayle, the technology is expected to transform treatment for a range of neurological disorders and mental health conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, long-COVID syndrome, insomnia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Dr Gayle pointed to global data highlighting the urgency of improving neurological care.

“In 2024, the Lancet Neurology defined that 43 per cent of the world’s population have a neurologic diagnosis,” said Dr Gayle as she pointed out that this trend reflects an increase from 18 per cent in 1990.

“Eighty per cent of the global burden of neurologic disorders rests within low to middle income countries. For far too long, the treatment of all of those disorders was determined by geography, meaning that in high-income countries, there were 70 times more neurologic health care practitioners than low to middle-income countries,” added Gayle.

She said the new clinic will establish Jamaica as a regional hub for advanced neurological care.

“Everbrook is uniquely positioned because we’re not just a local clinic; we are a Caribbean beacon.  We’re actually going to be a premier destination for North American patients who have not yet had access to this technology,” said Gayle.

She emphasised that research will be a major component of the clinic’s work.

“We’re building a commitment to research that is unwavering. We’re not just applying existing protocols, we’re generating new [protocols], and we’re documenting, and we will be presenting and informing, because this is disruptive technology.”

She highlighted the role of Earl Jarrett, then general manager of the Jamaica National Building Society, who, in 2012, provided a grant that supported the acquisition of a plasmapheresis machine that saved many lives during the Chikungunya and Zika epidemics which resulted in Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Managing Director of the DBJ, Dr David Lowe, said the bank was proud to support the initiative, which he described as an example of the kind of innovation Jamaica needs to advance its healthcare system.

“Every time I see something like this, I think of one more thing that makes Jamaica fall outside the traditional stereotype: a place of knowledge, of innovation, a place of possibilities,” said Lowe.

He argued that facilities like Everbrook Brain Institute and Cognitive Clinic will bring new hope for many patients.

“By expanding access to these advanced therapies, you don’t have to go overseas. Right here, we can now bring that type of opportunity to our shores for people who are in need. It is elevating specialised care that makes it so monumental and so important at this time. It creates so many other opportunities for other medical practitioners.”

“In a world that’s changing rapidly, we need to be competitive and solutions-oriented. We have to recreate those opportunities here,” Lowe stressed.

Sharing similar sentiments, Dr O’Neil Dacres, corporate relations manager at JN Bank, highlighted the significance of the clinic.

“This is an important step in expanding how neurological conditions can be treated in our beloved country. Advances in brain health are opening new possibilities for patients and families facing complex neurological challenges,” Dacres said.

“The introduction of Everbrook Brain Institute and Cognitive Clinic represents an encouraging development in modern medicine, offering innovative approaches that can improve quality of life.

“As a financial partner, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Jamaica, JN Bank is proud to support this initiative that brings together science, innovation and compassion.  Investments in healthcare innovation are ultimately investments in people, families and stronger communities,” Dacres added.