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World experts converge on Montreal for the 10th International Child Neurology Congress

City's IQ will soar during five-day event

Up to ten percent of children may be affected by such chronic and potentially devastating neurological disorders as autism, mental retardation, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Researchers and clinicians will be gathering in Montreal next week (June 12-16, 2006) to look at ways to improve the worldwide care for children affected by these neurological diseases and others at the 10th International Child Neurology Congress. Approximately 1,200 attendees from more than 80 countries will come together to present updates in the diagnosis and management of these diseases and discuss the dramatic progress over the last few years in this field.

"This conference is the Olympics of pediatric neurology — in magnitude and expertise, and it occurs but once every four years," says Congress Chairman Dr. Michael Shevell, pediatric neurologist at the Montreal Children's Hospital of the MUHC and Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at À¦°óSMÉçÇø. "Presenters are world authorities on the latest research findings, treatment and therapy options." Over 31 concurrent symposia, 130 invited speakers, 118 platform presentations grouped into 18 thematic sessions and 400 scientific posters over five days make up the scientific programme.

Among such experts is Dr. Hugo Moser, who heads neurogenetics research at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Moser has spent more than 30 years studying the degenerative disease adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Also presenting is Dr. Karin Nelson, a senior investigator with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (USA), who has worked on studies clarifying the causes of cerebral palsy. Dr. Leon Evans of Northwestern University in Chicago will provide a plenary address on Neuro-AIDS. Victor Dubowitz from London, England, the author of the definitive textbook of pediatric neuromuscular disorders, will present therapeutic advances in this field.

The Congress hosts daily sessions and plenary lectures. Some selected topics of interest include:

"The Congress programme is top-notch," adds Shevell. "We are thrilled to be the host institution. When it comes to pediatric neurosciences, the Montreal Children's Hospital and À¦°óSMÉçÇø is an internationally recognized centre of excellence."

Journalists wishing to attend sessions or request interviews should contact the Congress Services desk at 514-878-2989. The Congress is being held at the Montreal Bonaventure Hilton. For more information regarding the Congress, please go to .