Title: Professor in NeurologyCurrent
Position/Designation: Chair & Director of Neurology, Vice President, Oceania, WFNR, Elected Trustee, World Federation of Neurology, Global SIG Chair, Migraine and Headache disorders, WFNR , President, Asian Regional Consortium of Headaches (www.archhub.org)
Institutional Affiliation: Western Health and La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia University of Rajarata, Sri Lanka
Active Email Address: twi@unimelb.edu.au
Social Media Handle: X – @CombatstrokeSL:
Telephone Number (WhatsApp): +61430048730
Professor Tissa Wijeratne OAM MD PhD is a globally renowned neurologist, neuroscientist, and leader in neurorehabilitation, particularly in resource-limited settings. As the Director of Neurology at Western Health, Melbourne, he has supervised and mentored over 50 PhD students and more than 450 physicians, significantly contributing to the development of future leaders in neurology. He is the founder of the Migraine Foundation Australia and the Australia New Zealand Headache Society and serves as the Global Chair for Migraine with the World Federation for NeuroRehabilitation (WFNR). With a citation index exceeding 127,000 and an h-index of 82, he is also the highest-cited practicing headache clinician in Australia. His groundbreaking work spans migraine, stroke, and post-COVID-19 brain research, with a commitment to improving care in low-resource settings.
Professor Wijeratne’s research and advocacy focus on a systems science-based approach to addressing neurological diseases, with a strong emphasis on primary headaches, particularly migraines and stroke. His work is dedicated to advancing neurorehabilitation, specifically targeting post-concussion syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke in resource-limited settings where access to care is a significant barrier. Through his leadership in conducting clinical trials, Professor Wijeratne seeks to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions that not only improve patient outcomes but also transform the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders, particularly in underserved communities. His research and advocacy are driving meaningful change in global neurology care.
As a migrant neurologist in Australia, Professor Tissa Wijeratne has achieved remarkable success, becoming a pioneer in making brain health a household name. His leadership in the World Brain Day campaign, from its inception to the present, has significantly raised global awareness of neurological health. His outstanding contributions to headache care, particularly in education and training in resource-limited settings, have earned him 16 international awards, along with the prestigious Australia Day Honours in recognition of his work. Professor Wijeratne’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of neurology leaders continues to shape the future of brain health both in Australia and worldwide.