The much awaited ICTRIMS 2024 being organised from 14-16 November, 2024
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. There are about 2.3 million people in the world with MS, although the number may be much higher as it is likely that many people with MS remain undiagnosed in certain parts of the world. MS is found in all parts of the world, its prevalence varies greatly, being highest in North America and Europe (50-100 per 100,000 patients), and lowest in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia. In India, its prevalence is ~9-10 per 100,000 population and currently believed that there are over 100,000 patients in the country.MS is more common in women (~2-3 times commoner) than men and most people are diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 40, although around 3 to 5% of people with MS are diagnosed as children, and it can occur in much older adults.
Most commonly patients present with a recurring and a recovering pattern of neurological symptoms (also called relapsing and remitting) with the common symptoms are visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, various levels of impaired mobility, muscle
weakness and stiffness. An attack of MS may be characterized by sudden loss of vision or double vision, weakness of one side of the body or weakness of legs. Life with MS can be difficult. For many people living with multiple sclerosis in the advanced stage even walking 50 steps is a daunting task.
An early treatment is the goal for successful management of such patients. A large number of approved treatment options (moderate to high efficacy) are available including oral treatments (Dimethyl fumarate, Teriflunomide, Fingolimod) and injectables (Interferons, Glatiramer acetate,Rituximab, Natalizumab, Ocrelizumab, Ofatumumab, Alemtuzumab), numerous rehabilitativemeasures and vocational training.
In PGIMER, Chandigarh, we have been running a fortnightly Multidisciplinary Special Clinic for people with Multiple Sclerosis and allied demyelinating diseases since ~ 2016. There are over 300 patients registered in the clinic and an average of 10-12 patients take consultation every week in the OPDs. The multidisciplinary team includes Neurologist, Neurology resident, MS Counselor, Psychologist, Occupational therapist and Physiotherapist providing a holistic management to the MS patients.
The 7th Annual Conference of the Autoimmune Subsection of Indian Academy of Neurology: Indian Committee of Research and Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis (ICTRIMS 2024) is being organised at Chandigarh, under the aegis of PGI Neurological Society. Scheduled to unfold at the Novotel,Chandigarh, from November 14th to 16th, 2024, this conference will open the doors to an array of academic discussions on demyelinating disorders in neurology. ICTRIMS 2024 will bring together a diverse range of topics, catering to the interests of both emerging and seasoned physicians.
The educational program is designed to encompass workshops, symposia and tough calls in autoimmunity, invited plenary lectures, sessions, and scientific paper presentations. Featuring a stellar faculty, highly accomplished national and international speakers, will share their insights during the event. The ‘European Charcot Foundation’ is the scientific partner to the event with a special symposium based on the theme for
ICTRIMS 2024 – “Optimising Patient Outcomes in MS”.ICTRIMS will provide the delegates an enriching opportunity to stay abreast of the latest advances in the field of demyelination. The conference serves as an excellent platform for physicians, neurologists, rehabilitation and nursing professionals to update their knowledge, foster networking opportunities,
and engage in discussions about the evolving landscape of MS and its spectrum. The collaborative environment promises to be a highlight, fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences among professionals from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations.
The prestigious ICTRIMS 2024 conference anticipates a participation of over 700 delegates. The conference kicks off with pre conference workshops on 14th followed by the scientific sessions. A record number of scientific papers have been received which will be presented over the 2.5 days of the conference.
The dedicated organizing committee, led by Prof Vivek Lal as the Organizing Chairman and other key individuals such as Dr Dheeraj Khurana (Organizing Secretary), Dr Sucharita Ray (Joint Organising Secretary), Dr Kamalesh Chakravarthy (Treasurer & Associate Professor of Neurology),Prof Parampreet Kharbanda, and Prof. Manish Modi (Scientific Committee). Their collective efforts promise to make ICTRIMS 2024 a memorable and impactful event for all attendees.
The pre-conference workshop/symposia in ICTRIMS 2024 will center around diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Renowned experts in the field of MS will engage in discussions, shedding light on the global perspective of integrating rehabilitation, imaging & cognition into clinical practice. This
segment promises to be a valuable opportunity for attendees to delve into the practical aspects of management in MS. The academics on the main days will feature discussions on diagnostic biomarkers and emerging therapeutics in MSSD. National and international experts will share insights into the current perspectives of various ‘Bench to Bedside’ aspects of management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD), Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and other demyelinating and inflammatory disorders of the central nervous vh system (CNS). A key highlight will be a quiz – “Immunoblast” which will set the tone for an exciting finish to the ICTRIMS 2024.
