ICCN 2024
Jakarta, IO – Brain and nervous system health continues to be a global concern, in view of the high number neurological condition sufferers: it was estimated that more than a third of the world’s 2121 population, or 3.4 billion people, were affected by conditions such as stroke, migraine, Alzheimer’s, dementia, epilepsy, or other neurological complications.
According to WHO data, neurological disorders are the leading cause of disease and disability globally, with an increase of 18% since 1990. One approach to treating neurological disorders is through neurophysiology.
“The neurophysiological approach involves the study of electrical activity in the brain and nervous system, to diagnose and understand disorders such as epilepsy, sleep disorders and nerve injuries. This approach involves the use of EEG (electroencephalogram), EMG (electromyogram) or EP (evoked potential) to analyze nerve signals and provide appropriate interventions,” said Jonathan Cole, MA, MSc, DM, FRCP, FTPS – President of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN), to the media, when opening The International Congress of Clinical Neurophysiology (ICCN) 2024 with the theme “Clinical Neurophysiology of Diseases”, held on 10-14 September 2024.
“Despite its great potential, awareness of the importance of the neurophysiological approach in everyday medical practice is still limited. Many are not yet aware of the significant impact that this approach can have in optimizing treatment outcomes,” added Prof. Jonathan.
On the same occasion, dr. Manfaluthy Hakim, Sp.S(K), Convenor of the 33rd ICCN 2024, said, “Neurophysiological approaches and technologies such as EEG, EMG, and EP are needed in understanding and treating neurological diseases. With this approach, we can intervene earlier to reduce the long-term impact of various neurological diseases. Indonesia has a large population and geographic location, but access to examinations with a neurophysiological approach is still limited. The presence of ICCN in Indonesia is expected to be an important turning point in increasing medical knowledge and strengthening collaboration throughout Southeast Asia. This congress aims to build momentum, increase awareness, and accessibility to the neurophysiological approach in Indonesia and neighboring countries.”
Comprehensive Program
Meanwhile, Dr. dr. Dodik Tugasworo P., Sp.S(K)MH, President of the Indonesian Neurological Association (INA), explained how “This forum offers a variety of comprehensive programs with in-depth discussions, one being a presentation of the latest research results regarding the impact of neurological disorders on the quality of life of patients, as well as the potential for developing more innovative neurophysiological technology, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), to help patients with chronic conditions and in remote areas. One of the interesting topics discussed was the study of the use of non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of dementia, which showed promising results in slowing disease progression.”
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ICCN 2024 is organized by INA, in collaboration with IFCN, with a comprehensive program including two days of workshops and three days of symposiums, attended by 1,000 participants. 100 speakers from 30 countries share the latest knowledge, science, and research in the field of neurology because of the crucial neurophysiological approach to nerve health. This year, for the first time, Indonesia is hosting ICCN.
“We hope that this forum will contribute to the development of neurophysiology and also emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary and inter-country collaboration in reducing the burden of neurological diseases. With the development of neurophysiology, we have a great opportunity to prevent, detect earlier, and provide more effective therapy for patients,” dr. Manfaluthy concluded. (est)