Report from the 7th International Egyptian Stroke Conference, Cairo, 13-15 November 2024

The 7^th International Egyptian Stroke Conference took place in Cairo, 13^th -15^th November 2024. I was honoured and thankful to attend this scientific conference on behalf of the European Stroke Organisation (ESO). The aim of the Conference was to present the latest advancements and research in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of stroke. The conference saw a remarkable total attendance of 570 participants over the course of three days, including 182 attendees in the workshops, and featured 70 distinguished speakers. Noteworthy awards included the SITS Egypt Awards, which recognised Cairo and Ain Shams University with two accolades for best data quality. Additionally, the Angels Programme awarded 17 recognitions for exceptional performance from Q4 2023 to Q3 2024. The event was proudly endorsed by prestigious organisations such as ESO, ESMINT, MENASO, and ANGELS.

The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and scientific sessions focused on the latest advancements in stroke treatment, research, and prevention. Keynote speakers included Prof. Husam Salah (President of the Stroke Chapter and Dean of the Cairo University- Faculty of Medicine), Prof. Ahmed Abdelalim, Prof. Ahmed Elbassiouny, Prof. Sandra Ahmed, Prof. Apostolos Safouris (Greece), Prof. Valeria Caso (Italy), Prof. Amal Alhashmi (Oman) and many more (https://misr2000.com/3d-flip-book/7th-international-egyptian-stroke-conference/.

Being invited as a representative of ESO provided me with a platform to present my research on “Specific Stroke Risk Factors in Women”, which is an area of growing importance in stroke prevention and care. This opportunity enabled me to not only present my work but also to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field of stroke research and care, engage with other thought leaders, and contribute to the overall mission of the ESO in improving stroke care worldwide.

Courtesy of Prof. Ahmed Abdelalim, I visited the Stroke Unit at the Department of Neurology, Cairo University, together with Prof. Apostolos Safouris.

The Stroke Unit boasts a total of 40 beds, with 32 beds designated for stroke care—comprising 16 intermediate care beds and 16 ICU beds, all operated by skilled neurology residents and specialists. Additionally, the unit includes 6 beds for rtPA administration, split between 3 in the ER and 3 within the unit, as well as 1 dedicated bed for PLEX (Plasmapheresis) to treat autoimmune conditions such as SLE, Behçet’s disease, and APS. The unit averages 1,000 admissions per year, with 200 cases receiving intravenous thrombolysis annually.

The unit is supported by a dedicated and diverse team, including 40 residents (30 in-house and 10 visiting, including trainees from Yemen and Mali), 16 specialists, 31 consultants, 65 stroke nurses, with 8 nurse aides, 12 physical therapists, 1 nutritionist, 4-8 pharmacists. The multidisciplinary team collaborates across a wide range of specialities, including neurointerventionists, neurosurgeons, speech therapists (performing FEES), cardiologists, pulmonologists, ENT physicians, and quality coordinators. The unit is equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure comprehensive stroke care:2 CT scanners and 1 MRI in the ER, 1 Angiosuite for neurointervention procedures, 19 ventilators and 40 bedside monitors (all beds are continuously monitored), and Neurolosonology equipment for advanced diagnostic capabilities. All services are available 24/7, ensuring round-the-clock care for stroke patients.

The Department of Neurology is proudly accredited by the World Federation of Neurology as a training centre for African English-speaking physicians, further highlighting its commitment to excellence in education and clinical practice.

At the end of our visit, we had the honour of being invited to the office of Prof. Husam Salah, the esteemed Dean of Cairo University-Faculty of Medicine. This invitation provided us with a unique opportunity to engage in insightful discussions and explore potential collaborations in a setting that reflects the university’s commitment to excellence in education and research.

Additionally, I am truly thankful for the generous arrangement that allowed me to visit the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Egypt, often referred to as the “Cradle of Ancient Civilization,” holds an unparalleled place in the history of human development. This ancient land, with its rich cultural heritage, is home to some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring monuments ever created, including the majestic Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx. The experience of witnessing these ancient wonders was unforgettable and provided a profound connection to Egypt’s remarkable history and cultural heritage. I am grateful to the conference organizers for making this extraordinary visit possible, and enhancing the overall experience of my time in Egypt.

I would like to thank the organizers of the 7th International Egyptian Stroke Conference and the European Stroke Organization for this opportunity. A special thank you to Prof. Ahmed Abdelalim and Prof. Husam Salah for their warm hospitality and generosity during my visit. Their kindness made my experience truly memorable, and I am deeply grateful for the time and care they took to ensure I felt welcomed throughout my stay. It was an honour to be part of such a prestigious event, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the discussions on stroke care and research.

Next year Joint Conferences (8th International Egyptian Stroke Conference / 10th MENASO) will be organised in Cairo, 17-19th September 2025.

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