Scientific Sessions

Movement disorders and neuromuscular conditions are a group of neurological disorders that affect the ability to control voluntary and involuntary muscle activity, leading to impaired mobility, coordination, and muscle strength. Movement disorders include conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, essential tremor, Tourette syndrome, and ataxia, which arise from abnormalities in the brain regions that regulate motor control, particularly the basal ganglia and cerebellum. Neuromuscular conditions, on the other hand, affect the muscles and the nerves that control them, with common examples including muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and peripheral neuropathies. Symptoms vary depending on the disorder but often involve tremors, stiffness, muscle weakness, spasms, and difficulty with speech, balance, or gait, significantly impacting quality of life.

The management of movement disorders and neuromuscular conditions often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. While some conditions like Parkinson’s disease can be managed with medications such as dopamine agonists or deep brain stimulation, neuromuscular conditions may require immunotherapies, gene therapies, or supportive treatments to slow progression and maintain function. Advances in genetic research and molecular therapies are opening new pathways for targeted treatments, offering hope for patients with previously untreatable conditions. Rehabilitation, physical exercise, and assistive technologies also play an important role in improving independence and daily functioning. As research continues to advance, early diagnosis and personalized care are becoming crucial in effectively managing these disorders, ultimately aiming to enhance mobility, reduce complications, and improve long-term outcomes for patients.