Cutting-edge brain stimulation technology launched in Jamaica

The introduction of advanced brain stimulation technology at the Everbrook Brain Institute and Cognitive Clinic is being hailed as a major breakthrough for neurological care in the Caribbean.

The clinic and its technology were recently launched at the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), which provided funding through JN Bank to support the project.

The facility was co-founded by Dr Francene Gayle, a consultant stroke neurologist and former chief medical officer at Andrews Memorial Hospital, along with her husband, Dr Steve Lawrence.

Located at 80 Lady Musgrave Road in Kingston, the clinic will offer a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together neurologists, psychologists and neuropsychologists to support patients with complex brain health conditions. Central to its services is transcranial pulse stimulation, a non-invasive technology that uses Magnetic Resonance Imaging to direct acoustic pulses to targeted areas of the brain.

According to Dr Gayle, the technology is expected to transform treatment for a range of neurological and mental health conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, long COVID syndrome, insomnia, as well as Alzheimer’s disease 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,” she said, noting that this represents 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 in low to middle-income countries.”

She said the facility will help position Jamaica as a regional hub for advanced neurological care.

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“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.”

Dr Gayle emphasised that research will be a central pillar 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 also 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, which helped save lives during the chikungunya and zika epidemics associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Managing director of the Development Bank of Jamaica, Dr David Lowe, said the DBJ is proud to support the initiative, describing it as a strong example of healthcare innovation.

“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,” he said.

Dr Lowe added that facilities like Everbrook will expand access to specialised care locally.

“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’s 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,” he said.

Dr O’Neil Dacres, corporate relations manager at JN Bank, also welcomed the development.

“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. 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 alongside the Development Bank of Jamaica, JN Bank said it remains committed to supporting healthcare innovation.

“Investments in healthcare innovation are ultimately investments in people, families and stronger communities,” Dr Dacres maintained.