4th World Congress on
Stroke and Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders impact both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Stroke, a leading cause of disability worldwide, has often been overlooked as a brain-related condition due to its classification as a cardiovascular disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, in the latest revision of the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), stroke is now categorized as a neurological disorder. This reclassification underscores the role of neurologists in treating stroke and highlights the profound neurological consequences stroke survivors face. This shift is expected to improve awareness, drive increased research funding, and enhance care for stroke patients.

• Acute Spinal Cord Injury
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Cerebral Aneurysm
• Epilepsy and Seizures
• Muscular Dystrophy

Clinical neurophysiology examines the bioelectrical activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems, encompassing both spontaneous and induced processes. This field bridges the study of pathophysiology and the development of diagnostic methods for disorders affecting these systems. It serves as a continuation of a neurology consultation, with tests often extending beyond laboratory settings. Stroke remains the third leading cause of death globally and the primary cause of acquired neurological disabilities. In ischemic strokes, a cascade of events triggered by excitotoxicity leads to tissue damage shortly after the onset of impaired blood flow.

• Repetitive stimulation
• Visual evoked potentials
• Electroretinography
• Polysomnography
• Intracranial electrode stimulation

Addiction, derived from the Latin term addicere meaning "to enslave," is marked by a perceived loss of control over one’s behavior. Individuals with addictions often continue substance abuse despite being aware of its harmful consequences, reflecting impairments in decision-making, affect regulation, and inhibitory control. Neuroimaging studies in substance-abusing populations have consistently identified deficits in the frontal cortical networks, which are critical for self-regulation and decision-making.

• Neurobiology of Addiction
• Cognitive Impairments in Addiction
• Addiction and the Reward System
• Impact of Addiction on Emotional Regulation
• Neuropsychological Assessments of Addicts

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that impairs memory, cognitive abilities, and basic daily functions. Symptoms typically manifest later in life, primarily affecting individuals aged 65 and older. Experts estimate that over six million Americans may suffer from dementia caused by Alzheimer’s, making it one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. While previously ranked as the sixth leading cause of mortality, recent studies suggest Alzheimer’s may now rank third, following heart disease and cancer, as a primary cause of death among the elderly.

• Neurobiology of Addiction
• Cognitive Impairments in Addiction
• Addiction and the Reward System
• Impact of Addiction on Emotional Regulation
• Neuropsychological Assessments of Addicts

Neuroimmunology merges the fields of neurology, which focuses on the nervous system, and immunology, which examines the immune system. This discipline explores the interaction between these two complex systems throughout development, maintenance of balance, and responses to injury. A key objective of this growing area of research is to deepen our understanding of the causes of certain neurological diseases, many of which remain unexplained. Neuroimmunology is pivotal in developing new pharmacological treatments for various neurological conditions, advancing both diagnosis and therapeutic options.

• Fungal infections
• Parasitic infections
• Prion diseases
• Bacterial infections such as Lyme disease, tuberculosis, syphilis
• Brain abscess

Neuropharmacology is the study of how drugs affect cellular functions in the nervous system and the mechanisms by which these effects influence behavior. This field is divided into two main branches: behavioral and molecular neuropharmacology. Behavioral neuropharmacology focuses on the influence of drugs on human behavior, including the effects of drug addiction and dependency on the brain. Molecular neuropharmacology, on the other hand, studies the interactions between neurons and neurochemicals, with the goal of discovering medications that enhance neurological function. Neurochemistry, closely related to this field, examines the chemicals that regulate and influence the physiology of the nervous system.

• Neuropsychopharmacology
• Behavioral neuropharmacology
• Molecular neuropharmacology
• Neural chemicals
• Neurotransmitters

A head injury involves any damage to the brain, skull, or scalp, and can range from a minor bump to a serious trauma. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result from concussions, skull fractures, or scalp wounds, and the consequences depend on the nature and severity of the injury. TBI, which is caused by an external mechanical force, can lead to temporary or permanent cognitive, physical, and psychological impairments, including altered levels of consciousness. Behavioral neuroscience is the study of the biological underpinnings of behavior in both humans and animals, providing insights into how brain injuries can affect behavior and cognitive functions.

• Sensation and perception
• Motivated behavior (hunger, thirst, sex)
• Control of movement
• Learning and memory
• Sleep and biological rhythms

Cognitive neuroscience explores how the brain facilitates mental processes. It examines how networks of neurons work together to form the complex structures of the human brain. Cognitive neuroscience links higher-level cognitive functions, such as thinking, memory, and language, to specific brain regions and neuronal mechanisms. It integrates techniques from cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence to create models of cognition. Cognitive psychology, a closely related field, investigates mental processes such as perception, attention, problem-solving, learning, and memory, offering insights into how individuals think and interact with the world around them.

• Cognitive Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Experimental Psychology

Neurobiology investigates the biological mechanisms by which the nervous system influences behavior, serving as the bridge between genetic predispositions and environmental factors. The brain acts as the interface between inherited traits and the experiences shaped by one’s environment. Neurobiological mechanisms, regulated by both genetic and environmental factors, play a crucial role in shaping behaviors. Much of neurobiology has focused on understanding the structure and function of nerve cells (neurons) and glial cells, as well as the synapses that connect them, forming the foundation of brain function and behavior.

• Neurophysiology
• Neuroanatomy
• Neuropharmacology
• Behavioral neuroscience
• Developmental neuroscience

Neurosurgery, also referred to as neurological surgery, is a medical specialty dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system. This surgical field addresses conditions such as brain tumors, spinal cord abnormalities, and nerve root dysfunction. Back pain resulting from nerve root issues can cause symptoms like numbness, muscle weakness, and impaired bowel and bladder control, signaling the need for surgical intervention. Procedures like discectomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusion are commonly used to alleviate severe back pain. However, neurosurgery carries risks, including potential nerve damage and infections, which may lead to paralysis.

• Spinal Deformities and Surgical Correction
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
• Spinal Trauma and Injury Management
• Degenerative Spinal Disorders and Surgery
• Spinal Tumors: Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment

Pediatric neurology (PN) is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and research of neurological conditions affecting children, from fetal development to adulthood. Pediatric neurologists, or child neurologists, specialize in identifying and managing disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems in children. These disorders may involve the brain, spinal cord, nerves, or muscles, and can result in various issues such as seizures, migraines, and developmental delays. Pediatric neurologists work with patients from infancy through young adulthood, providing ongoing care and treatment.

• Neuro-oncology
• Pediatric Sleep Disorders:
• Developmental Disorders, Including Autism
• Pediatric Neuromuscular Disorders
• Neurological Complications of Pediatric Diseases

Molecular genetics involves using recombinant DNA techniques to alter genetic material within various organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. This field enables scientists to pinpoint genes responsible for specific brain functions. Human cells contain approximately 30,000 to 60,000 genes, as detailed by the Human Genome Project. Neurons, however, are unique in the genes they express compared to other cell types. Neurobiology, a branch of both biology and neuroscience, focuses on understanding how nervous system cells form functional circuits that process information and influence behavior. While neurobiology is a more specific field, neuroscience encompasses the broader scientific study of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

• behavioral genetics
• classical genetics
• cytogenetics
• molecular genetics
• developmental genetics
• population genetics

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord damage, are critical events that can lead to significant disability and death. Early brain injury following stroke or trauma is a major contributor to poor outcomes and mortality. The mechanisms of early brain injury are complex and not yet fully understood. Neuronal cell death in the acute phase of CNS injury plays a key role in long-term neurological deficits and prognosis. Despite advances in understanding the inflammatory responses and adult neurogenesis, repairing the brain remains challenging. The harsh environment following injury, coupled with the lack of support for neural cell regeneration, complicates efforts to achieve functional recovery.

• Primary Injury
• Secondary Injury
• Focal Injury
• Diffuse Injury
• Open / Penetrating Injury

Molecular biology is the study of biological processes at the molecular level, particularly how DNA, RNA, and proteins interact and regulate cellular functions. This field intersects with genetics and biochemistry, providing insights into how cells function and communicate. Cell biology, a related field, explores the structure and function of cells, including both single-celled organisms like bacteria and the complex cells of multicellular organisms like humans. The central concept of cell biology is that cells are the fundamental units of life, responsible for all biological activities within an organism.

• Abnormal Psychology
• Behavioral Psychology
• Biopsychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology

Neuroscience is inherently interdisciplinary in its quest to understand the brain. Molecular neuroscience, a subfield of neuroscience, utilizes techniques from molecular biology, molecular genetics, protein chemistry, and other disciplines to explore the biology of the nervous system. Much of modern molecular and cellular neuroscience is focused on translational research, which aims to bridge laboratory findings with clinical applications, particularly in the development of tools for systems neuroscience. This shift in focus means that biological processes are increasingly viewed through the lens of disease-related events, with molecules considered primarily as potential therapeutic targets, leaving fewer fundamental questions about brain function being explored.

• Behavioral epigenetics
• Behavioral genetics
• Cellular neuroscience
• Computational neuroscience
• Connectomics

Human brain mapping refers to a set of techniques in neuroscience that map biological data or features onto spatial representations of the brain, allowing researchers to study both its structure and function. This discipline uses a combination of experimental psychology, human neuroscience, and noninvasive neuroimaging to establish connections between brain structure and function. Various methods are used in brain mapping, including regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), regional metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRglc), near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetoencephalography (MEG), all of which help to uncover how different brain regions contribute to various cognitive and physiological processes.

• Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF)
• Regional metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRglc)
• Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is the movement of blood through the network of arteries and veins that supply the brain. In adults, CBF is typically around 750 milliliters per minute, accounting for about 15% of total cardiac output. Arteries deliver oxygenated blood, glucose, and other nutrients to the brain. In neuroimaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and optical imaging, CBF and the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRo(2)) are key drivers of contrast. The relationship between CBF and CMRo(2) during cerebral activation remains a subject of debate, with some experimental findings providing conflicting results. Factors like intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure, along with the distinctions between anterior and posterior cerebral circulation, further influence brain metabolism and blood flow.

• Anterior Cerebral Circulation
• Posterior Cerebral Circulation
• Role of Intracranial Pressure
• Cerebral Perfusion Pressure
• Neuroimaging

Brain pathology refers to the study of disorders affecting the brain, particularly those confined to the central nervous system. Neuropathology focuses on examining disease processes within nervous system tissue, often through surgical biopsies or autopsy. Neuropathologists, who typically work within anatomic pathology departments, collaborate closely with clinical specialties such as neurology and neurosurgery for diagnostic purposes. Given that brain disease or injury can be linked to causes of death, neuropathology has a close connection with forensic pathology. This area of study encompasses the broader field of neuropathophysiology, contributing significantly to neurological and biomedical science, with a focus on clinical neuro-oncology for diagnosing and treating brain cancers.

• Neuropathology
• Neuropathophysiology
• Neurological Science
• Biomedical Science
• Clinical Neuro Oncology