NEUROSONOGRAPHY: MUSCLE AND NERVE

Ultrasound examination of muscle and nerve, one of recently developed neuroimaging methods, usually supports or confirms the diagnosis suspected by clinical neurological examination. It is widely applied in patients with peripheral nerve/muscle disorders because of its repeatability, non-invasiveness, and easiness of performing. In this session, we will briefly describe ultrasonography of muscle/nerve, and will show that its outcomes in association with electrophysiological and MRI findings help us make a diagnosis and select the treatment in patients with peripheral neuropathy or muscular disorders.

VASCULAR NEUROSONOLOGY

Ultrasound based methods- especially Color Codes Duplex Sonography- are today the basic screening tools for extra- und intracranial occlusive disease in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The diagnosis and follow-up -after treatment-of Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease and of Intracranial Stenosis and Occlusion will be described, also in correlation with reference methods like MR- or CT-angiography. High resolution Ultrasound is also essential in the diagnosis of Non-Atherosclerotic Vasculopathies like Dissection and Giant Cell Arteriitis.

This session consists of three topics as follow:
• “Creative Writing”: a cognitive enhancing perspective chaired by Giacomo Pinelli and Emilio Portaccio
Cognitive decline is esteemed as a major debilitating symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (Ms), especially deficits in episodic memory and processing speed. Therapeutic arts have demonstrated considerable benefits for people facing a variety of chronic illnesses. Cognitive Health is fundamental to provide the correct balance for Multiple Sclerosis patients. It can be improved by several activities such as creative writing which helps people’s lives by keeping the mind active. Creative writing engages patient’s mind, piques creativity, sparks curiosity and stimulates critical thinking. Therapeutic arts are also a method for those with MS to connect with the world around them, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Motor activity and cognitive function: the winning combination by Marcello Moccia and Claudia Fink
Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) regularly show deficits in motor and cognitive functions. In particular, MS patients experience several difficulties with balance, gait and disfunction in cognitive processing speed. These symptoms can occur simultaneously, affecting the rehabilitation outcomes. In order to improve MS people’s life and to reduce the common symptoms, rehabilitation activities are fundamental. A key strategy to face MS and to ameliorate the disease management is a double approach to enhance both motor activities and cognitive functions. 
• The inside-out approach: living Ms through emotions by Marta Radaelli and Damiano Tullio
Multiple sclerosis can affect not just the body but also the emotions. MS can cause behavioural and emotional symptoms and a variety of factors can contribute to them. Remaining physically and mentally active may help regulate mood swings. The right combination of medication, clinical support, counselling and healthy lifestyle habits represent a good strategy to manage MS. Mindfulness and yoga can contribute to control emotions and can provide a healthy balance in MS people’s life.