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Sidra Medicine is the only specialised centre in Qatar that receives and treats the full spectrum of neurological disorders in children, including rare and highly complex cases that require precise, multi-disciplinary care, noted, Dr Husam Kayyali, Chief of Pediatric Neurology Division at Sidra Medicine and Director of our Comprehensive Epilepsy Programme at Sidra Medicine. Dr Kayyali pointed out that Sidra Medicine delivers a fully integrated system of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services. Backed by cutting-edge global medical technologies and highly experienced specialists, the hospital provides personalised, patient-centred care tailored to each child’s condition. This approach ensures comprehensive treatment and significantly enhances the quality of life for young patients and their families. He noted that epilepsy remains the most prevalent neurological condition among children worldwide and is also the leading diagnosis seen at Sidra Medicine. Dr Kayyali noted that genetic mutations are among the primary causes of neurological disorders in children, particularly in the region, alongside other contributing factors such as brain infections, oxygen deprivation, head injuries, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune disorders. He explained that the Comprehensive Epilepsy Programme offers comprehensive evaluations for children experiencing seizures, using the latest medical technologies under the supervision of leading pediatric neurologists. Advanced treatment options include epilepsy surgery, neuromodulation therapies such as vagus Nerve Stimulation, and dietary interventions like the ketogenic diet. Beyond epilepsy, the Pediatric Neurology Department provides expert care for a wide range of conditions, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, movement disorders, neuroimmunological diseases, genetic neurological disorders, cerebral palsy, and white matter diseases. All services are delivered through a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach designed to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. Sidra Medicine also operates a comprehensive network of specialised clinics, including advanced epilepsy clinics, neuromuscular clinics, movement disorder clinics, white matter disease clinics, neurocutaneous clinics, chronic headache clinics, brachial plexus clinics, and general pediatric neurology clinics, ensuring full coverage of diverse neurological conditions.He noted that one-third of epilepsy patients do not respond to medication and are classified as having drug-resistant epilepsy. For these cases, Sidra Medicine offers advanced interventions, including surgical removal of seizure-causing brain tissue, implantation of vagus nerve stimulators, and therapeutic diets such as the ketogenic or modified Atkins diet. These approaches have demonstrated a reduction in seizure frequency by 50% to 80%, offering renewed hope for affected families. Dr Kayyali indicated that diagnosis at Sidra Medicine is grounded in comprehensive clinical evaluation supported by state-of-the-art tools. These include video electroencephalogram monitoring to accurately identify seizure origins, high-resolution 3 Tesla MRI scans, PET and SPECT imaging, and advanced genetic testing such as epilepsy genepanels and full exome and genome sequencing. The Comprehensive Epilepsy Programme adopts a patient-first philosophy, guiding children and their families through every stage, from initial consultation and diagnosis to the development of individualized treatment plans. Multidisciplinary teams collaborate closely to ensure seamless, high-quality care aligned with the latest international medical standards. In addition to medical treatment, Sidra Medicine provides personalised rehabilitation programs based on precision medicine principles, helping children achieve the best possible outcomes. Psychological support is also a cornerstone of care, with specialised teams in child psychology and psychiatry assisting families in coping with the challenges of neurological conditions. Eventually, Dr Kayyali stressed that Sidra Medicine aims to expand its paediatric neurology services to reach a broader patient population both within Qatar and internationally. Building on recent achievements, the institution is working toward strengthening its position as a regional leader and a globally recognised center of excellence in pediatric healthcare. 

The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched Thursday the 3rd edition of its annual scientific conference, which will last for three days, under the title "Musculoskeletal/Neurological Disorders and Pain Management in Primary Health Care".The opening day of the conference was attended by His Excellency Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud, His Excellency Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs Department at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani, His Excellency QRCS Secretary-General Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, QRCS members of the Board of Directors and Secretary-General Assistants.In his opening remarks, His Excellency QRCS President Yousef bin Ali al-Khater said that the conference brings together a group of experts and specialists from various health institutions in the country, who meet together under one roof for three days to discuss and debate the most important topics and issues in the medical field and exchange experiences and information that contribute to improving the level of medical service provided to the public and responding to the latest developments in medical work and its changing challenges.He added that the conference's status is becoming more established year after year as an annual scientific forum that brings together the best professionals in Qatar who carry the noble message of medicine and dedicate themselves day and night to serving humanity and preserving the health and well-being of society. He noted that in each edition of the conference, success is established, interest expands, and the added value that the conference represents for the medical sector and all those working in it is confirmed.He also highlighted the success of QRCS in obtaining accreditation as an educational organization for continuing professional development for five years, after fulfilling all the standards and conditions applied by the MoPH's Department of Health Specialties - Accreditation and Medical Education Department. He noted that this achievement not only represents another milestone in the long history of QRCS, but also a living embodiment of the strategic partnership with the MoPH, through the QRCS's management and operation of workers' health centers for fifteen years.He expressed his pride in the QRCS having the second largest ambulance fleet in the country, in addition to an integrated center for training, research and development. In turn, Director of Training, Research, and Development Center at QRCS and Chairman of the Conference Ghanem Salman al-Sulaiti said that this year’s conference focuses on the topic of "Musculoskeletal/Neurological Disorders and Pain Management in Primary Health Care" because the increasing burden of musculoskeletal and neurological diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.He indicated that approximately 242mn people worldwide suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, and that around 200mn women worldwide suffer from osteoporosis. He also pointed out that multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease are common neurological diseases affecting millions of people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.He noted that the conference discusses the latest developments in the field of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and pain management, and reviews best practices and the latest research in this field. The conference enjoys a strategic partnership with the MoPH, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), in addition to Servier Medical Company as a representative of the private sector.The conference agenda is divided into four components: pre-conference workshops, the main conference track, a parallel track for pharmacists, and a parallel track for physiotherapy and rehabilitation practitioners. The agenda comprises 61 sessions presented by 58 speakers and moderated by 35 facilitators from various healthcare providers across the country.