Track Categories
The track category is the heading under which your abstract will be reviewed and later published in the conference printed matters if accepted. During the submission process, you will be asked to select one track category for your abstract.
Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diseases of the brain and the central and the peripheral nervous systems. Neurologists are the physicians who are trained in diagnosing, treating and managing patients with neurological disorders. The most important task to manage the global burden of neurological disorders is to have a clear-cut view of the Epidemiology of the nervous disorders. And for which the simple ‘head count’ method will not be as effective as the statistical assessments and projections of the burden of health conditions and diseases. There are more than 600 neurological disorders and for recognizing the signs and symptoms of neurological problems, it is first important to distinguish the various types of neurological disorders and infections of the nervous system. Stroke is a leading cause of death among the world population and it attacks both adults and children. Stroke is the most common presentation of Cerebrovascular disease. If a blockage, malformation, or haemorrhage in blood vessels prevents the brain cells from getting enough oxygen, brain damage can result. Cerebrovascular diseases can develop in various ways, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries. Stroke, transient ischemic attack, aneurysms, and vascular malformations are all types of cerebrovascular disease. Other examples include a narrowing or blockage in the carotid, intracranial, or vertebral arteries, known as stenosis.
Neurogenesis observed in the adult human brain suggests the possibility of endogenous neural repair. Neurogenesis the growth and development of neurons and process is most active while a baby is developing in the womb and is responsible for the production of the brain’s neurons. Neurogenesis takes place in the subventricular zone (SVZ) that forms the lining of the lateral ventricles and the sub granular zone that forms part of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus area. The stem cells that proliferate in the ventricular zone of the neural tube are the source of two major families of cells in the nervous system: the neurons and the glial cells. Hippocampus is also identified as one of the neurogenic zones and Hippocampal neurogenesis is important as it is involved in cognitive function, memory process and affective behaviour. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to form new neural connections throughout life and it allows the nerve cells to compensate for brain injury and disease and adjust to changes and new environment. Mechanisms of neuroplasticity can impact the aspects of recovery after brain injury and helps to understand whether behavioural improvement reflects true behavioural recovery or the behavioural changes are simply due to the use of compensatory strategies.
Neurogenetics has helped in understanding the mechanisms that cause brain disorders. Neurogenetics has also paved way for accurate molecular diagnoses and knowledge of the genes and pathways that are involved in many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Newer methods and analytical approaches like genome array studies and next-generation sequencing technologies helps to understand the complexities of the genetic architecture that determines our risks for these disorders. Various neural and genetic components contribute to the behaviour of humans and it has become more important to have deeper insights about their neural bases. An important aspect of Behavioural neuroscience is the Evolutionary psychology. Behavioural neuroscience studies the relation between biological and psychological function. Evolutionary psychology focusses on how evolution has affected human mind and behaviour. It emphasizes the need of Adaptation, Reproduction and Survival of the fittest. Neurodevelopmental disorders are the brain function disorders which affect the emotions, memory, learning and behaviour of individuals. These disorders may be caused by genetic factors like chromosomal abnormalities.
Neurotoxicity is the poisoning or damage of the brain and the nervous system caused by the exposure to toxic substances or chemicals. Neurotoxicity can drastically diminish the abilities of the person like learning, perceiving, controlling emotions, etc., without being identified by any imaging examinations. Neurotoxic effects can be reversible or irreversible. There are various neurotoxic syndromes affecting humans, Neuropathies being the most important. The types of neurotoxic syndromes include Neuronopathies, Axonopathies, Myelinopathies and Neurotransmission- associated neuropathies. CIPN (Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy) is a major disorder. Peripheral neuropathy may be caused by chemotherapy drugs that affect the peripheral nerves. Neurotoxicity can be caused by a range of chemicals including heavy metals like lead and mercury. Neurotoxicity is found to have effects like Hypoxia on the biochemical mechanisms in human and may affect various metabolic activities. Peripheral neuropathy may be caused by chemotherapy drugs that affect the peripheral nerves.
Poor nutrition, particularly in early life, can have lasting effects on brain functioning and cognitive performance. Nutritional neuroscience deals with the role of various components of the normal diet like protein, carbohydrate, fat, dietary supplements like minerals, vitamins, hormones, and food additives like artificial flavours, colours, sweeteners on neurochemistry, neurobiology, behaviour, and performance. With nutrients affecting the brain development of humans, it is necessary to study the effects of meals on cognitive behaviour. Sugar is the major component of daily diet of most of the people and many people have developed addiction to sugar. Sugar is found to release opioids and dopamine and hence causes addiction potential. Addiction may cause neurochemical changes that are related to behaviour. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble in paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours or will be hyperactive. Although ADHD can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed, and some symptoms may improve as the child ages.
Psychopathology is the study of abnormal behaviour. It may be defined as the study of psychological and behavioural distress, dysfunction and disability. Psychopathologic disorders can be both somatogenic and psychogenic. Schizophrenia is the most common psychological disorder and is characterised by hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thoughts. Psychosis is another serious mental disorder that have symptoms like false beliefs, sleep problems, incoherent speech and social withdrawal. Psychoactive drugs are the chemical substances that act on the central nervous system altering the brain functions temporarily. They can be used recreationally to improve one’s consciousness or as medications. Overuse or abuse of these drugs can result in addiction and other risks
Neurodegenerative disorders results from the loss of neurons within the brain and nervous system. Neurons do not reproduce or replace themselves and hence when they die or get damaged, they can’t be replaced by the body. This results in Ataxias or Dementias. Dementias are largely responsible for the global neurological burden and Alzheimer’s disease is the reason for 60-70% of dementia cases. Major neurodegenerative disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s chorea, Prion diseases, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Hydrocephalus, Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Neurosurgery is a medical speciality that deals with diagnosing and treating injuries and disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Neurosurgeons are trained in all aspects of neurosurgery, including the cerebrovascular system, the spine and spinal cord, trauma, tumors, pain management and paediatric surgery. Brain edema, seizures, postoperative hemorrhage, and cerebral ischemia can complicate neurosurgical procedures. There are many forms of neurosurgery including neurovascular surgery, key hole brain surgery, etc. Spine deformities can be treated by surgical methods. Spine deformities can be defined as the abnormality in formation, alignment and shape of the vertebral column. Spine stabilization surgery is recommended in cases where there is severe pain, neurological problems, or curvature greater than 50 degrees. The goal of surgery is to straighten spine. Several surgical techniques can be used, including spinal fusion (fusing the vertebrae together) and the use of implants to secure the fusion.
Neuroinformatics is a combination of neuroscience and information science. It deals with the organisation of neuroscience data and knowledge bases of nervous system and application of tools and computational models for data analysis, acquisition, visualization and distribution. Brain mapping helps the scientists to know what the brain does and how various parts of the brain work. Brain mapping is a set of neuroscience techniques used to view the structural and functional aspects of the brain onto a spatial representation called maps. Due to the advancements and research in the field of neuroinformatics, large amount of data is being analysed and interpreted using various tools.
Neuroimunology is a field which combines neuroscience and immunology. The interaction between nervous system and immune system can be described by Neuroimmunology. Immune cells usually release biochemicals to neutralize foreign particles and signal other components of the immune system to react. When the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue, the nervous system is affected in some of the Autoimmune diseases. Neuroimmunlogical disorders namely Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, and acute inflammatory polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barré syndrome), are autoimmune and may be caused due to disorders of immunoregulation. HIV-associated dementia is caused by neuronal damage by the HIV virus. Few autoimmune diseases are mediated by autoantibodies. Paraneoplastic syndromes are also caused by autoimmunity and are associated with cancer, not by direct invasion or tumors. Neuroglial cells participate in immune responses within the central nervous system.
Neurotransmission is the process of information transfer between neurons and their targets. It regulates both excitatory and inhibitory functions in the central nervous system. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that transmit signals from neurons to target cells across the synapse. The process of neurotransmission includes various stages like synthesis, storage, release, binding and inactivation. Various diseases associated with neurotransmitters include Epilepsy, Migraines, ADD, etc., Neuroinflammation is the inflammation of the nervous tissue. Neuroinflammation may be initiated in response to infection, brain injury, toxic metabolites, or autoimmunity. The two types include Acute and Chronic neuroinflammation. As neuroinflammation is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders, future research works include identifying the potential drug targets for reducing neuroinflammation.
Neuromuscular diseases are the diseases which impair the functioning of muscles either directly by affecting the voluntary muscles or by affecting the nerves or neuromuscular junctions. Progressive muscle weakness is the condition in these diseases. Neuromuscular diseases can be classified as diseases of the Neuromuscular junction, Anterior horn cell disorders, Motor neuron diseases etc. In order to diagnose these diseases, Electromyography must be done. During Electromyography, small electric impulses are given to the nerves and electrical responses are recorded. This helps to identify the loss of nerve fibres and problems of insulation of nerves.
Neurological examination is done to identify the presence of abnormality and locate the abnormality within the nervous system. Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging are major imaging methods used for neurodiagnosis. MRI is used to detect intracranial and intraspinal abnormalities. Electro Encephalo Graphy(EEG) measures the brain electric activity. Traditional EEG machines are gradually being replaced by computerized systems that convert EEG data into digital format. Electromyography and Nerve conduction studies help in differentiating neurogenic and myogenic disorders. Abnormalities in nerve conduction helps in identifying Neuropathies. Cerebro Spinal Fluid examination provides the differential diagnosis of CNS infections, meningitis, encephalitis, etc. CSF examination also helps in detecting intracranial bleeding. Biopsy and DNA examinations also help in effective diagnosis of neurological disorders.
Neuro oncology deals with brain and spinal tumors. Gliomas are the important causes of tumors. Brain tumors are responsible for severe cognitive and physical disability and accounts for high malignancy rates. Tumors can also cause brain lesions or spinal lesions. Lesions are damaged tissues caused by injury, infection or exposure to certain chemicals. Treatment of tumors depends on the type, location and size of the tumors as well as the age of patients. Tumors can be treated surgically or by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Stem Cells can be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The transplantation of embryonic neurons or stem cells that offers potential treatment strategy for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease (HD), and Alzheimer's disease.
Reflexes are automatic and subconscious reponses to changes within and outside the body. It involves sensing a stimulus and generating appropriate response. Reflex arc governs the operation of reflexes and its function is to perform automatic responses without conscious thought. The major components of the reflex arc includes receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron and effector organ. The types of reflexes include Stretch reflex, Golgi tendon reflex, Withdrawal or flexor reflex. Reflex epilepsy is a form of reflex seizure caused by external stimulus or internal mental processes. Ataxia is the lack of muscle control and coordination of voluntary muscles. Neuralgia is a severe pain caused by damaged nerve caused by inflammation or injury.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities. TBI may also cause Spinal Cord Injury. TBI is the insult to the brain caused by trauma to the head (head injury). Acquired injuries of the brain can be due to conditions like encephalitis, meningitis, brain tumors, etc., and they are not hereditary or congenital. Mild Traumatic Brain Injury causes symptoms like Headache, Fatigue, Sleep disturbance, decreased concentration, decreased speed of thinking, Memory problems, Depression and anxiety and Emotional mood swings. Severe Brain Injury causes a prolonged unconscious state like Coma, Vegetative State and Locked-in Syndrome. Neurological disorders such as dementias, Parkinson's and tumours and neurological events such as traumatic brain injuries and strokes can be treated by neuro rehabilitation. After the treatment for a brain injury, neuro rehabilitation steps help the patient recover, maximise their functional and cognitive abilities and to help them realise their personal goals and build self-esteem.
The advancements and breakthroughs in neuroscience helps in understanding the brain well and also in effective treatments and diagnoses. Neuromodulation methods like Optogenetics helps in controlling the living cells especially neurons. Optogenetics is a combination of genetics and optics to control the events in cells which show light responses. Wireless EEG (electroencephalogram) sensor technology is rapidly changing the neuroexamination approach. EEG headsets have EEG sensors that measure the brain’s electrical activity, or brainwaves. Traditional EEG testing was invasive and complex. It typically involved the use of silver needles and electrode attachments to the scalp and had to be done in hospitals or research settings. Today, wireless EEG headsets allow readings to be done completely non-invasively. They are simple and comfortable to wear and are powered by a single AAA battery. Gene therapies for treating various neurological disorders seems to be promising.
Neuroscience is a challenging field that requires expertise of neurologists and neurosurgeons in diagnoses and treatment of diseases and injuries of brain and nervous system. There are day-to-day challenges that makes the work of neurologists and neurosurgeons complex and demanding, with rapidly changing tasks in assessing, diagnosing, treating and managing the patients. Imaging of live brain, finding the complete connectome of brain, brain simulation, etc., are still in the phases of research and development.
Neurological nursing is the caring for patients with neurological conditions, mental illness, dysfunctions and disorders. Neuroscience nurses care for people with a variety of neurological conditions and disorders across the lifespan. Specialist nurses play important role in Specialist units like neurocritical care which required frequent neurological assessments and diagnostic tests. There are many specialities within this field of practice. Neurological nurse practitioners require certain skills to serve as effective and safe practitioners.