The first national pediatric epilepsy surgery unit will soon be launched at Tizi Ouzou's University Hospital Center (CHU), according to Professor Daoudi, head of the neurology department and president of the hospital's scientific council. The project, a collaboration with Professor Chikhi, head of pediatrics, and Professor Aït Bachir, head of neurosurgery, aims to provide specialized care for children with epilepsy. An international team from Paris's Necker hospital and Rothschild hospital will also be involved.
The project, conceived over a year ago, is nearing completion, with a meeting planned during the CHU's medical-surgical days on December 5-6 to officially launch the initiative. The Parisian team will attend and participate in a training program for Algerian specialists. A surgeon will also be sent to France for further training. Professor Daoudi emphasizes that the CHU is working to enhance its technical capabilities to support the new unit, which will focus on exploring and operating on children with epilepsy.
The launch of the pediatric epilepsy surgery unit is part of a broader effort to improve neurological care in Algeria. Recently, the CHU hosted a thematic day on neuroscience, featuring two prominent professors: Olivier Dulac from Paris and Professor Aït Kaci Hmed Mahmoud, a renowned neurologist. The event aimed to update knowledge on the latest scientific developments and advancements in neuroscience. Professor Daoudi highlights the significance of this initiative, stating that it will enable the CHU to provide cutting-edge care for patients.
During the neuroscience day, Professor Dulac presented a conference on brain development from birth to adulthood. He emphasized that understanding brain development is crucial for addressing various neurological disorders. The conference focused on the functioning of the child's brain and its evolution into adolescence and adulthood. This approach is expected to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of various diseases, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
Professor Aït Kaci presented a second conference on the topic of dreams, exploring the functioning of the pathological brain, memory, and forgetfulness. His presentation highlighted the differences between how children and adults dream. Professor Daoudi notes that there is a lack of literature on the functioning of a normal brain, making such initiatives essential for advancing knowledge in the field.
The events also included a video presentation on children with severe degenerative pathologies and the distress experienced by their parents. The CHU's efforts aim to raise awareness about these conditions and promote empathy and understanding. By launching the pediatric epilepsy surgery unit, the hospital hopes to provide comprehensive care for children with epilepsy and improve treatment outcomes.
The upcoming launch of the pediatric epilepsy surgery unit marks a significant milestone for Algeria's healthcare system. With international collaboration and a focus on advanced training, the CHU is poised to become a leading center for neurological care in the region. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of children with epilepsy and their families.
Key points
- Algeria's Tizi Ouzou hospital to launch first national pediatric epilepsy surgery unit
- International collaboration with Parisian hospitals to support the initiative
- Training program for Algerian specialists to enhance care for children with epilepsy
