As part of the first Iraqi Neuroscience Conference, hosted by the College of Medicine at the University of Baghdad, scientific sessions commenced with the participation of a distinguished group of professors, consultants, researchers, and specialists. The comprehensive scientific program addressed intricate and cutting-edge topics in brain and nervous system science.
The program included a specialized session on the history of neurology in Iraq, covering the development of adult neurology, the history of pediatric neurology, and the evolution of sub specialties within neuroscience in Iraq.
A scientific session was also dedicated to multiple sclerosis, discussing the latest diagnostic and differential findings, recent advancements in neuroimaging, diagnostic criteria for myelitis and optic neuritis spectrum disorders, modern treatment approaches, multiple sclerosis in children, and the role of biologic therapies in expanding treatment options.
In the stroke session, participants discussed the interpretation of radio-graphic images in acute stroke cases within the emergency department, the management of ischemic stroke in patients using anticoagulants, therapeutic approaches to acute stroke, and early episodes in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.
The program also included a scientific workshop on Botox, which addressed the therapeutic role of Botox in modern medicine and the practical applications of botulinum toxin injections in children with seizures, reflecting the importance of this field in neurological and rehabilitative treatment.
In the research and clinical presentations hall, a session was held featuring selected clinical cases and a lecture on the use of lacosamide in treating trigeminal neuralgia, focusing on its clinical efficacy and safety profile.
The symposium also included a workshop on device-assisted therapies in Parkinson’s disease, which focused on advanced treatment options for Parkinson’s patients, particularly in the advanced stages of the disease.
The Neuromuscular Diseases session addressed advanced neuromuscular disease care in Africa and the Middle East, focusing on accurate diagnosis and modern treatments. It also showcased the multidisciplinary team’s experience through selected clinical cases.
The Headache and Migraine session discussed the art and science of botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of chronic migraine, along with the latest updates in migraine management, keeping pace with recent advancements in the field.
The Epilepsy session covered a range of important topics, including non-epileptic seizures in critically ill patients, the Neuroscience Hospital’s experience with vagus nerve stimulation, post-stroke epilepsy, precision medicine in epilepsy treatment, diagnostic challenges using EEG, video, and sleep studies, and the latest developments in epilepsy surgery through clinical case reviews.
These sessions were attended by a select group of the most prominent professors, consultants and researchers in the field of neuroscience, reflecting the high scientific level of the forum, and contributing to enriching academic and clinical discussions, and opening up broader horizons for the exchange of experiences and strengthening cooperation between medical and academic institutions, in support of the development of the neuroscience specialty and improving the quality of healthcare provided to patients in Iraq.
