Spasticity at ECPRM 2016
Spasticity is a common feature associated with a lesion or disorder of the central nervous system. The impact varies from mild to very severe but may significantly decrease quality of life in patients. Whereas some effects of spasticity may be beneficial, most symptoms have functional consequences that require treatment. Spasticity management appertains to the Field of Competence of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) and has changed greatly over the past few decades. Clinical and instrumental evaluations as well as patient reported outcomes can help to improve spasticity management. Management strategies have changed significantly regarding patient approach and treatment of the troublesome effects of spasticity. Treatment can consist of for instance pharmacological therapy, physiotherapy, orthotics, neuromodulation, surgery, and a combination of these different techniques. However, a rigorous evaluation of these techniques is required and more evidence on functional outcome is needed.
We welcome you to some very exciting sessions on spasticity at the 20th European Congress of PRM that will be held in Estoril April 23rd till 28th.
Monday April 25th
At 2.30 pm
there is a plenary session with an introductory lecture by prof. Jean-Michel Gracies (France) on “Definition, diagnosis and management of spastic paresis anno 2016”. Prof. Elena Ilieva (Bulgaria) will share new insights in the “Effect of radial shock wave therapy on muscle spasticity”.
Tuesday April 26th
At 2.30 pm
prof. Anthony Ward will moderate a special “Meet the expert” session on spasticity management. He will present some challenging cases to an exquisite panel with Thierry Deltombe (Belgium), Franco Molteni (Italy) and Mauro Zampolini (Italy).
At 7 pm Kaat Desloovere and Lynn Bar-On from Belgium will be presenting an innovative workshop on “Instrumented spasticity assessment for clinical use by combining stretch characteristics, reactive resistance and muscle activity”.
But these are only some highlights and on Wednesday another oral presentation session takes place on the topic of spasticity. Moreover some very interesting posters will be presented.
Some other experienced speakers will be Alberto Esquenazi (US), Gerard Francisco (US), Djamel Bensmail (France) and Jorg Wissel (Germany).
Looking forward to meeting you in the spasticity sessions @esprm2016 !
Carlotte Kiekens
Belgium
Laurent Bensoussan
France
