Recherche

The Adult Sleep Functional Unit provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for all sleep disorders. Contact For advice, information or to make an appointment, please contact us by email at SecMed [dot] UFSommeil [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (SecMed[dot]UFSommeil[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Integrated care for sleep disorders in adults The Adult Sleep Functional Unit provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for all sleep disorders, from insomnia to sleep-related breathing disorders, as well as central hypersomnias and parasomnias. It draws on the combined expertise of several specialties (neurology, pulmonology, ENT, stomatology, psychiatry, psychology, etc.) and dedicated technical facilities to provide accurate diagnosis and personalised follow-up. Image Image Image A recognised centre of expertise The unit has particular expertise in central hypersomnias (rare conditions requiring specialised care) and sleep disorders associated with neurological diseases. It provides coordinated care pathways, from screening to treatment, with dedicated medical and paramedical teams. Sleep: a key marker of health Our approach is based on an integrated view of sleep as a marker of physical and mental health, at the crossroads of neurological, cardiorespiratory and psychiatric disorders. The unit is also involved in innovative research aimed at developing new biomarkers of alertness and sleep, to support the diagnosis and prognosis of patients. Our care services The unit provides a comprehensive and specialised range of services for the assessment and management of sleep and wakefulness disorders in adults. It relies on dedicated technical facilities and a multidisciplinary team.Inpatient unit with 7 dedicated rooms equipped for (video-)polysomnographyRooms equipped for video-polysomnography with high-density EEG within the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe) and the epilepsy unitDiagnostic and therapeutic polysomnography (CPAP/BiPAP)Specialised tests: Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), 24-hour prolonged recordings, capnographyAmbulatory devices for sleep recordings and home screeningActigraphy and assessment of the sleep-wake rhythmSpecialised multidisciplinary consultations (neurology, pulmonology, psychiatry, ENT, etc.)Management of insomnia (including cognitive behavioural therapy), central hypersomnias, sleep apnoea, parasomnias, circadian rhythm disorders and chronobiologyPersonalised follow-up, both inpatient and outpatient, integrated into coordinated care pathwaysAccess to clinical studies and innovative projects Prof. Mélanie Strauss Academic Head of the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe)Head of the Adult Sleep Functional Unit (SomA)PositionNeurologist, Hospital ProfessorSpecialist in cognitive neuroscienceSleep and wakefulness specialistFNRS Researcher View Dr Strauss's publications As a clinician and researcher, Prof. Mélanie Strauss coordinates translational research projects focusing on the links between sleep, memory and neurodegeneration. Her work combines cognitive neuropsychology paradigms, multimodal neuroimaging methods and longitudinal studies to better understand the importance of sleep for brain health and to identify early biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases. Our team NeurologyProf. Mélanie Strauss, neurologist (FR, EN)Dr Faustine Lebout, neurologist (FR, EN)PulmonologyDr Olivier TATONDr Silvia PEREZ BOGERDDr Zita MEKINDA NGONOENTDr Sébastien CARLOTDr Clément LELONGDr Maxime NIESENStomatologyDr Antoine HEIMANNProf. Laurence EVRARDProf. Régine GLINEURPsychiatryProf. Daniel NEU PsychologyStéphanie BRAUNCamille TOTTESébastien DEGEERTEngineerBenjamin WACQUIERTechnologistsDominique DETROUXLéonel SANGANGHippolyte KAMGUIAHead NurseAnthony AREND Services we collaborate with Neurology Lien vers Neurology Pulmonary Medicine Lien vers Pulmonary Medicine Psychiatry Lien vers Psychiatry ENT Lien vers ENT Stomatology Lien vers Stomatology Psychology Lien vers Psychology Neuropsychology and Speech Therapy Lien vers Neuropsychology and Speech Therapy Translational Neuroimaging Lien vers Translational Neuroimaging LHUB Lien vers LHUB

When a patient can no longer eat by mouth, either temporarily or on a more permanent basis, another route must be found... What exactly is a feeding stoma?When a patient can no longer eat by mouth, either temporarily or on a more permanent basis, another route must be found. A gastrostomy is one of these alternatives: it consists of creating a small opening that connects the stomach to the skin through a tube. The procedure is performed endoscopically, using a simple technique that avoids major surgery and allows the tube to be placed safely.Who is concerned?People who require a gastrostomy have very different profiles, but they share the same reality: their body can no longer meet their nutritional needs on its own.“This may be related to neurological diseases that affect swallowing, established malnutrition, certain cancers that weaken the body, or lung diseases that use up all the available energy,” explains Ms Ballarin.When oral feeding is no longer possible or is insufficient, and this situation is expected to last, gastrostomy becomes an appropriate and safe option to ensure a reliable and continuous nutritional intake for the patient.Is it risky?“As with any medical procedure, complications can occur, but they are rare, often mild and, above all, largely preventable,” reassures the head nurse.Everything begins well before the procedure: the team meets with the patient and their relatives, explains each step, answers questions and prepares the return home. Anaesthesia or sedation may be offered to ensure the procedure takes place under the best possible conditions. This preparation phase is not a minor detail: it reduces stress and limits risks for the patient.In the long term: manageable inconveniences“Following good practices reduces the risk of complications, which is why therapeutic support for patients and their caregivers is so important. Education and training have three objectives: ensuring effective tube feeding, preventing complications and improving the patient’s comfort,” stresses Ms Ballarin.The most common complications are skin-related issues, such as inflammation, granulomas, fungal infections or local infections. These skin problems are generally mild and can usually be treated easily with appropriate care.Digestive intolerances may also occur, such as nausea, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. Although these symptoms can be unsettling, they are usually easy to understand and, above all, can be corrected through adjustments to the way the feeding is administered.The most frequent late complications are skin irritations around the tube (redness, inflammation, fungal infections), which can also be treated easily. Digestive problems (a sensitive abdomen, altered bowel movements or constipation) may appear when enteral nutrition is started, meaning when liquid nutrition is delivered through the tube. These symptoms can sometimes worry patients, but they have explanations and, most importantly, can be treated.The right daily habits?Two simple steps every day: clean the area with water and dry it thoroughly. Clean and dry skin helps prevent irritation and limits most complications. The second step is less obvious but just as essential: gently move the tube every day with a small back-and-forth movement. This simple action prevents the tube from becoming embedded in the stomach wall, a rare but serious complication that can largely be prevented thanks to the advice provided to patients.“Each patient leaves with a clear information booklet and a detailed care protocol. Consultations take place twice a week, on Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. A full assessment is organised every six months. And if there is any doubt, a direct helpline is available at any time. Often, a simple phone call or a photo sent from a smartphone is enough to reassure the patient and solve the problem, sometimes without the need to come to the hospital,” explains Ms Ballarin. Discover the nursing team When should you contact us?“It is essential to inform us as soon as an adverse event occurs, whether or not it is related to the tube. Some signs, even if they seem minor at first, can quickly become troublesome for the patient and compromise the continuation of nutritional treatment. Our role is precisely to intervene early to prevent these small problems from becoming more serious,” she explains.Any redness, irritation, discharge or unusual pain around the tube should be reported immediately. These problems are common but can be treated easily when managed quickly.Digestive discomfort is often misunderstood. A bloated abdomen, nausea, constipation or pain does not necessarily mean that “the nutrition is not being tolerated”. In most cases, it simply means that an adjustment is needed: the feeding rate may be too fast, the timing may not be suitable, hydration may be insufficient, or there may sometimes be a cause unrelated to the tube itself (gastroenteritis, medication, stress, etc.).Difficulty flushing the tube and/or an inability to administer the nutrition should be reported without delay. An early blockage can usually be resolved easily; a later obstruction may require the tube to be replaced.What about the patient’s social life?A gastrostomy never occurs in isolation. It enters lives that have already been disrupted by illness. A stroke that changes everything overnight, motor neurone disease that progresses, cancer that gradually drains the body. In these challenging journeys, every new medical step can feel like an additional burden. This is precisely where the healthcare team plays a key role: helping transform a tube that may initially be perceived as a burden into a genuine source of support.A feeding stoma cannot replace what a meal represents, because eating is about much more than nutrition: it is about sharing a moment, sitting at the table with the people we love. For some patients who can no longer eat by mouth, this loss creates a deep sense of absence that can sometimes be difficult to express.“It is essential to acknowledge this loss, to listen to it and to provide support. Tube feeding does not claim to fill this void. However, it can provide the energy needed to continue experiencing these moments in a different way: being present, taking part, and staying connected with others. Feeding is not only about calories: it is also about meaning, connection and dignity,” emphasises Ms Ballarin.A word for someone who has just learned they will need a gastrostomy?For many people, gastrostomy can feel like one more difficult step in an already challenging journey with an underlying illness. These are diseases that disrupt everything: the body, independence, social life and identity. So yes, hearing that a feeding tube will be placed can be frightening. This is a normal reaction. The aim is to help patients find meaning where there is fear, and to restore a sense of perspective when everything seems to be becoming more complicated.A gastrostomy is not a failure. It is a treatment. Just as a broken leg requires rehabilitation, a weakened body may need support to receive adequate nutrition. It is not giving up; it is providing help.In an already difficult journey, being told that a gastrostomy is needed may feel like another sign that things are getting worse. This reaction deserves to be heard and acknowledged, not dismissed.And then, the way we see it changes.“A gastrostomy is not a defeat but a form of support. It is a practical way to take care of yourself when your body needs it,” concludes Ms Ballarin. Asuncion Ballarin Head Nurse, Stoma Care Nurse, Head of the Clinical Nutrition, Wound Care and Stoma Therapy Unit at H.U.B Contact our stomatherapy team Read also... “With a stoma, my body is different, but life is still possible.”It is often imagined as something impossible to overcome. A “hole in the abdomen,” a distressing image, a life turned upside down, intimacy forever changed. And yet…Read more

The must-attend event for anyone and all healthcare professionals interested in geriatric care and care pathways that support healthy ageing for older adults. Preliminary Programme 6:00 PM – Welcome and registration 6:30 PM – Keynote: Geriatrics – Helping People Continue Living What Matters MostDr Pierre Hanotier, Head of the Department of Geriatrics, H.U.B 6:40 PM – 7:00 PM | Flash Talks – One Expertise, One Message, Five Minutes 6:40 PM – Cardiogeriatrics: From Organ-Based Medicine to Person-Centred CareDr Véronique Lesage, Geriatrician specialised in cardiogeriatrics and palliative care, Erasmus Hospital, H.U.B 6:45 PM – Orthogeriatrics: The Care Model That Improves Outcomes for Older PatientsDr Laetitia Beernaert, Geriatrician specialised in orthogeriatrics, Erasmus Hospital, H.U.B 6:50 PM – Oncogeriatrics: When Age No Longer Determines TreatmentDr Julie Caillet, Geriatrician specialised in oncogeriatrics, Jules Bordet Institute, H.U.B and Dr Nathalie Compté, Geriatrician, CHU Helora 6:55 PM – Sexual Health: Pleasure Has No Expiry DateDr Nathan Franceschi, Geriatrician, Erasmus Hospital, H.U.B 7:00 PM – Geriatric Rehabilitation: Regaining Abilities, Preserving Life GoalsDr Anne Mergam, Geriatrician, Geriatric Rehabilitation Centre (GRC), Erasmus Hospital, H.U.B 7:10 PM – Healthy Aging Keynote: Supporting Health and Independence for as Long as Possible!Dr Pierre Hanotier 8:00 PM – Networking Dinner 9:30 PM – End of the Symposium Register Practical Information Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026Venue: Jules Bordet Institute, 90 Rue Meylemeersch, 1070 Brussels, Tagnon Auditorium (1st floor). DirectionsThis symposium is open to everyone: healthcare professionals, people interested in geriatric care, anyone wishing to learn more about healthy ageing, and general practitioners who would like to strengthen collaboration with geriatricians.Participation is free of charge, but registration is mandatory. Registration deadline: 6 November 2026.Participating physicians will receive accreditation points. Accreditation points will only be awarded to physicians who attend the symposium in its entirety.The symposium will be held in French. Contact Image

Interventional radiology in gynecology: minimally invasive innovations to preserve health and fertility Interventional radiology is playing an increasingly important role in the management of gynecological conditions. Thanks to image-guided minimally invasive techniques, it provides alternatives or complements to conventional treatments, with potential benefits including organ preservation, reduced complications and improved patients’ quality of life.This symposium will provide a multidisciplinary overview of the latest advances in interventional radiology applied to gynecology. Gynecologists, interventional radiologists and specialists involved in the management of pelvic pathologies will come together to discuss current indications, clinical outcomes and future perspectives of these approaches.Therapeutic innovations at the heart of gynecological careTargeted embolization: a conservative approach for uterine conditionsArterial embolization allows precise targeting of the blood supply of certain gynecological lesions, offering an alternative or complement to conventional treatments while preserving the uterus.This session will address in particular:Uterine fibroids (fibromyomas): indications, clinical outcomes and the role of embolization within today’s therapeutic options.Pelvic adenomyosis: new perspectives for managing a condition often responsible for chronic pain and menstrual disorders.Thermal ablation: new minimally invasive strategies for deep endometriosisThermal ablation opens up new perspectives in the management of certain deep endometriosis lesions through a targeted approach that limits the impact on surrounding tissues. This session will present the indications, available outcomes and the role of this technique within a personalized therapeutic strategy.Pelvic vascular conditions: diagnosing and treating differentlySome chronic pelvic pain conditions may be related to vascular abnormalities. Experts will present recent advances in:Pelvic varices embolization: a targeted approach to treating pelvic congestion syndrome in selected patients.Management of varicoceles: with particular focus on indications and outcomes.Restoring fertility: the potential of selective tubal recanalizationIn certain cases of proximal tubal obstruction, selective tubal recanalization is a minimally invasive approach that may restore tubal patency. This session will explore its role within infertility care pathways and its integration into individualized patient management.A comprehensive reflection on interventional radiology in gynecologyCross-cutting challenges: responsible practice of interventional radiology in gynecologyBeyond technical innovations, the development of these approaches raises essential questions:What ethical challenges will accompany the evolution of these practices?How can economic considerations be integrated into therapeutic decision-making?How can radiation protection for patients and healthcare professionals be optimized?A comprehensive reflection is essential to ensure innovative, responsible and patient-centered medicine.A symposium to strengthen collaboration between specialistsThis symposium is aimed at gynecologists wishing to deepen their knowledge of available interventional techniques in gynecology and better identify situations in which these approaches can be offered to their patients.It provides an opportunity to exchange with specialists in interventional radiology and gynecology through clinical cases, practical experiences and discussions on future developments.Practical informationDate: Saturday, 21 November 2026Time: 08:00 AM to 03:00 PMLocation: Museum of Medicine, Erasme Campus – Place Facultaire. Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Anderlecht. AccessTarget audience: gynecologists, interventional radiologists and specialists involved in the management of pelvic pathologiesAccredited symposium organized under the direction of Dr Salvatore Murgo and Dr Arnaud Bourguignon.Free registration required (registration deadline: 14/11/2026)Contact: Interventional Radiology Angiography Coordination, coordination [dot] RI [at] hubruxelles [dot] be Registration

The ELCWP is organizing its 25th Annual Thoracic Oncology Day on April 11, 2026, at Bordet. On the agenda for this Day:What will thoracic oncology look like in 2030?Over the past two decades, thoracic oncology has become more complex, both in terms of the management of metastatic diseases and earlier stages. Numerous therapeutic targets have changed the therapeutic landscape in multiple histological subclasses, while immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized treatment plans and patient prognosis. Numerous technological developments will be implemented in the coming years. The aim of this meeting is to take stock of these new developments and attempt to assess their impact on our activities in the coming years. Speakers will come from all over Belgium and abroad.Afternoon round table - AI and scientific publication: how can we combine technological advances with the preservation of intellectual activity?Artificial intelligence is now part of our everyday lives. In medicine, therapeutic decision support programs (such as screening for nodules on chest scans) are commonly used. Scientific publication remains a major and potentially complex intellectual endeavor. What is the place, and is there a place, for AI in the process of publishing scientific research?Practical informationThe meeting will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A cold buffet can be reserved for lunch. The rates until March 15 are €15 for postgraduate doctors, medical students, and paramedical staff, and €25 for doctors. After March 15, the rates are €25 and €35. So don't delay in registering! Click here to download the full program and registration form. 

When a stroke occurs, its causes are often multiple. However, tobacco plays a major role that is still too frequently minimized. Discover the interview of Jacques Dumont, Smoking Cessation Specialist at H.U.B. Stroke and tobacco: a link that is still too often underestimated When a stroke occurs, its causes are often multiple. However, tobacco plays a major role that is still too frequently minimized. According to estimates, between 18 and 35% of strokes are directly linked to smoking. This significant figure highlights how deeply cigarettes affect blood vessels… and the brain.Tobacco contains many toxic substances, such as carbon monoxide. These substances damage the vessel walls, making them stiffer and more fragile. At the same time, smoking thickens the blood, promotes clot formation and increases platelet aggregation. As a result, blood flow to the brain becomes more difficult, and the risk of thrombosis increases.Tobacco also promotes atherosclerosis, meaning the buildup of fatty and calcium plaques in the arteries, which reduces their diameter and flexibility. Added to this are vascular spasms, partly related to the increase in blood pressure caused by nicotine.Finally, when smoking, carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the blood. The brain, an organ extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation, is therefore less well supplied. All of these mechanisms together significantly increase the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).Most importantly, they continue to act after a first stroke, exposing the patient to a high risk of worsening or recurrence if smoking continues.Quitting smoking after a stroke: rapid… and lasting benefitsThe good news is that the benefits of quitting smoking appear very quickly, even after a stroke.Within the first hours after quitting, oxygen once again circulates properly to the cells. Vascular spasms decrease rapidly: every cigarette avoided is one less assault on the arteries.Other benefits take longer to appear, but they are very real. A reduction in the risk of thrombosis, gradual improvement in arterial health, and a slowing of atherosclerosis can be observed over several weeks or months.But the key message is clear: it is never too late to quit, and every smoke-free day counts in reducing the risk of recurrence.Smoking less or switching products: a false good idea?After a stroke, some patients consider “smoking less” or turning to other products. However, these strategies are rarely effective… and sometimes misleading.Reducing tobacco consumption is only truly beneficial if the reduction is massive, by at least 80%. In practice, going from 20 or 30 cigarettes per day to one or two is extremely difficult to sustain over time. And even at low doses, each cigarette triggers vascular spasms, which remains dangerous after a stroke.As for alternatives:Heated tobacco is not authorized in Belgium.Electronic cigarettes, although less harmful than traditional cigarettes in some respects (notably due to the absence of carbon monoxide), are not harmless. Their effects on blood circulation are still not fully understood and they are not recommended in this context.Methods that have proven effective remain nicotine replacement therapies (patches, lozenges, gums) and certain medications, prescribed and monitored by trained professionals such as tobacco specialists.Stress, weight gain, discouragement: separating fact from fictionAfter a stroke, misconceptions about smoking are common — and understandable.Many patients feel that smoking helps them cope with stress. In reality, tobacco is a false friend: nicotine increases stress hormones. What is perceived as relaxation is often simply the temporary relief of withdrawal-related stress. Learning to breathe deeply, allowing oneself moments of calm, or finding other ways to take a break can restore these sensations… without the risks.Another common concern is weight gain. This is indeed possible, and not only due to snacking. Tobacco increases energy expenditure: a smoker burns around 300 calories per day when smoking 20 cigarettes. When quitting, metabolism changes. However, specialized support often makes it possible to limit or even avoid weight gain.Finally, some believe that quitting “is no longer useful” after a stroke. This is false. The benefits of quitting are clearly demonstrated scientifically, particularly in reducing the risk of recurrence and improving quality of life.The key role of family and healthcare professionals in smoking cessationQuitting smoking is a personal journey, but no one should have to walk it alone.The role of relativesLoved ones can play a decisive role, provided they avoid guilt-inducing attitudes, which are often counterproductive. Expressing concern with kindness, supporting without lecturing, encouraging without forcing: the goal is to strengthen the person’s motivation and autonomy. Change must come from within.The role of healthcare professionalsAll healthcare professionals (neurologists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists) involved in stroke follow-up can help raise awareness, notably through motivational interviewing. They can all serve as essential relays. General practitioners and tobacco specialists are trained to support patients in quitting.Providing information without judgment, using a motivational approach, and offering support adapted to the patient’s life context: these simple actions have a real impact on the success of smoking cessation.It should be noted that some alternative methods, such as laser treatment, are not part of scientific recommendations and have no proven effectiveness. They therefore cannot be endorsed in a hospital setting.ConclusionAfter a stroke, quitting smoking is not just a recommendation: it is a real opportunity to protect the future. With appropriate support, guidance and information, this goal is achievable — at any age and at any stage of the care pathway.Need to contact the Neurovascular Clinic (Stroke Unit) of Erasme Hospital H.U.B?📞 +32 (0)2 555 33 52✉️ cons [dot] neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] beTo make an appointment with the Smoking Cessation Center of Erasme Hospital H.U.B📞 +32 (0)2 555 37 73✉️ jacques [dot] dumont [at] hubruxelles [dot] be Jacques Dumont, Smoking Cessation Specialist at H.U.B

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. On this occasion, the H.U.B is launching a new campaign offering numerous activities to inform and involve the public and health professionals in the diagnosis and management of this disease. Endometriosis Unfiltered: What People Believe, What We Know, What We Prove Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Yet it remains widely misunderstood and often diagnosed too late, because its symptoms are sometimes poorly understood or minimized.The “Endometriosis Unfiltered” campaign helps disentangle myths, knowledge, and scientific evidence to better understand this disease and its impacts on women’s lives. What you will discover with the teams of the H.U.B Endometriosis Clinic:What People Believe: common misconceptions and false beliefs about endometriosisWhat We Know: reliable facts and data to better inform the public and health professionalsWhat We Prove: research and scientific advances that allow better diagnosis and effective supportH.U.B Program in 2026Thursday 26 March 2026Information and Awareness StandInteractive “true-false” gamesInformation about endometriosis and its management at H.U.BQuestionnaires to identify your risk factorsMeetings and exchanges with members of the Endometriosis Clinic teamWhere? Main Hall, Hôpital Erasme – BrusselsWhen? 26 March 2026, 10:00am to 04:00pmFree and open to all.Meet the Toi Mon Endo association at the stand on 26 March.Thursday 15 October 2026Patients & Caregivers Workshop3 mini-lectures3 thematic workshops on hormonal treatmentsExpert panel and Q&AWalking dinerWhere? Jules Bordet Institute – BrusselsWhen? 15 October 2026, from 06:00pm to 08:30pmFree, limited seats, reserved for patients.Thursday 10 December 2026Symposium “Endometriosis at the Heart of Multidisciplinary Care”Relevant diagnosis approaches, the role of MRI, effective care pathwaysWhen? 10 December 2026, 09:30am to 03:30pmCampus Erasme – Mukwege AuditoriumFree event, registration required (Lunch included)

Contact the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe)Neurology Consultation SecretariatTel. 02 555 33 57E-mail : Cons [dot] Neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)General Secretariat of NeurologyTel. 02 555 69 25E-mail : sec [dot] med [dot] neuro [at] erasme [dot] ulb [dot] ac [dot] be (sec[dot]med[dot]neuro[at]erasme[dot]ulb[dot]ac[dot]be) An Innovative Structure Serving Patients, Their Families, and Research In response to the rapidly increasing number of age-related cognitive disorders and the anticipated arrival of disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Erasmus Hospital – H.U.B launched, in 2025 and with the support of the Erasmus Fund, the establishment of the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe). This pioneering facility combines diagnosis, care, and cutting-edge research in one place to offer patients and their loved ones complete, coordinated, and accessible support.Designed as a reference center, CIMe offers comprehensive, human, and innovative care. Each patient benefits from a structured care pathway from the first cognitive complaints, including a thorough assessment, a personalized care plan, and regular follow-up, including support for caregivers and family. Patient Care Path at CIMe From First Symptoms to Long-Term Follow-Up The Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe) offers a full care pathway for people with memory or other cognitive difficulties. The evaluation is multidisciplinary, person-centered, and adapted to each profile. CIMe welcomes patients of all ages, including early forms of Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. Image Image Image Our Care Services At CIMe patients can access:Specialized memory consultations (neurology, geriatrics)In-depth neuropsychological evaluationsAdditional exams: brain imaging (MRI, PET), EEG, polysomnography, biological and genetic analysesShort hospitalization (3 days/2 nights) for intensive assessment  Personalized care plan discussed in a multidisciplinary meetingRegular outpatient follow-up (medical and paramedical)Support for family and caregiversPotential participation in clinical studies and innovative projects With its dedicated hospitalization unit, immersive virtual reality platform, and access to unique technologies such as magnetoencephalography, CIMe offers personalized care integrated with clinical research and focused on the future. Technologies Used at CIMe Immersive Virtual Reality RoomVirtual reality, initially used in rehabilitation and psychiatry since 2010, is now innovatively applied to cognitive neurology. The immersive virtual reality room at CIMe allows:Immersive diagnostic assessments by recreating familiar environments (kitchen, street, etc.)Observation of cognitive and behavioral issues in simulated everyday contextsPotential future use in cognitive stimulation protocols or anxiety management Specialized Hospital Rooms CIMe provides short stays (3 days/2 nights) for intensive diagnostic evaluations in a comfortable environment. All rooms are equipped with continuous electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity and polysomnography (sleep study). These stays also allow for integrated multidisciplinary evaluations.  Magnetoencephalography (MEG) MEG is a highly precise method for recording brain activity used in neuroscience. It can detect early dysfunction in brain networks, even before symptoms appear. Erasmus Hospital is the only center in Belgium equipped with MEG, central to several clinical research projects on memory and Alzheimer’s disease. The CIMe Team Prof. Mélanie Strauss — Academic Head of CIMe Academic Head, CIMeHead of Adult Sleep Functional Unit (SomA)PositionHospital Professor, NeurologistSpecialist in cognitive neuroscience, sleep, and vigilanceFNRS Researcher Clinician and researcher, Prof. Mélanie Strauss coordinates translational research projects focused on the links between sleep, memory, and neurodegeneration. Her work combines cognitive neuropsychology paradigms, multimodal neuroimaging methods, and longitudinal studies to better understand the importance of sleep in brain health and to identify early biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Jean-Christophe Bier — Head of CIMe Member of the HUB Hospital–Faculty Ethics Committee.Chair of the Clinical Ethics Consultation Unit – ErasmePositionNeurologist, Deputy Head of ClinicSpecialist in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral disorders Dr. Jean-Christophe Bier organizes and delivers care based on a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. He is involved in translational research projects focusing on cognitive and behavioral disorders. His particular expertise in the potential impact of disease on patients’ relatives led him to develop the ASAPP project (Support and Assistance for Family Caregivers and Patients). A multidisciplinary team dedicated to patients and their loved ones MédecinsPr Mélanie Strauss, neurologue (FR, EN)Dr Jean-Christophe Bier, neurologue (FR, EN)Dr Louisien Lebrun, neurologue (FR, EN)Dr Faustine Lebout, neurologue (FR, EN)Infirmiers neurotechniquesNathalie BuffeDidier Depre NeuropsychologuesOumaïma BenkiraneDaphne ChylinskiPatrick FeryFlorence GaillardinChristelle MaenhoutHichem SlamaMuriel Vandenberghe LogopèdesNathalie GuerryAnne-Sophie Van Der MarenErgothérapeuteMarina Tuganova   CIMe collaborates with departments such as: Neurology Lien vers Neurology Geriatrics Lien vers Geriatrics Neuropsychology & Speech Therapy Lien vers Neuropsychology & Speech Therapy ENT Lien vers ENT Ophtalmology Lien vers Ophtalmology Psychiatry Lien vers Psychiatry Rehabilitation Translational Neuro-Imaging Lien vers Translational Neuro-Imaging Radiology - Medical Imaging Lien vers Radiology - Medical Imaging Nuclear Medicine Lien vers Nuclear Medicine Genetics Lien vers Genetics Hospital Laboratory (LHUB) Resources and useful links Whether you have already been diagnosed or suspect that you may be experiencing memory disorders or Alzheimer’s disease, we are here to support you and guide you step by step. That is why we offer a range of resources (produced by physicians, researchers, patient associations, and public health stakeholders) which, on the one hand, will help you better understand and manage the disease and, on the other hand, enable you to identify support groups with whom you can connect and share experiences. FACTSHEET - Alzheimers' disease FACTSHEET - Dementia and cognitive disorders USEFUL CONTACTS - Association, Neuro-Geriatric Center, etc. FAQ on Memory, Cognitive Disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease 1. What’s the difference between normal forgetfulness and a memory disorder? Occasional forgetfulness (e.g., names or keys) is common with age and not necessarily pathological. But frequent forgetfulness that interferes with daily life can indicate cognitive disorder or another medical cause. 2. What is a cognitive disorder? It refers to impairment in higher mental functions such as memory, attention, language, or reasoning. Causes vary including neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s), stroke, deficiencies, medications, depression, etc. 3. What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia — a neurodegenerative disease that progressively destroys brain neurons, first affecting memory then language, thinking, orientation, and behavior. 4. What early signs should you watch for? Subtle signs include trouble remembering recent events, frequent repetition, difficulty managing familiar tasks, and disorientation. Consult a professional if daily life is impacted. 5. Do all memory problems mean Alzheimer’s? No. Many causes, including vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, or medication effects, can cause cognitive symptoms. Only medical evaluation can determine the cause. 6. What are mild cognitive impairments (MCI)? MCI refers to memory or cognitive difficulties greater than normal aging but not severe enough to majorly impact independence. Some remain stable; others can progress. 7. When should you see a doctor? See a doctor if forgetfulness worsens, others notice changes, or there are language, orientation, or decision-making problems. Your GP can do an initial assessment and refer you to memory specialists. 8. How are cognitive disorders assessed? Assessment includes a clinical interview, standardized cognitive tests, and sometimes imaging (MRI, CT) or biological tests. 9. Is there a treatment for Alzheimer’s or cognitive disorders? There’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s or most dementias. Some treatments can slow symptoms and improve life quality. Reversible causes sometimes can be treated. 10. Can cognitive disorders be prevented? Although not guaranteed, a healthy lifestyle — regular exercise, balanced diet, mental stimulation, good sleep, and stress management — is associated with better brain health.

The 10th Edition of the Neonatal Pain Colloquium was a great success.Mission accomplished: deepening understanding and advancing clinical practice by bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise in the service of our youngest patients. 10th Neonatal Pain Colloquium – A Rich and Inspiring EditionThis 10th edition explored the shift from multidisciplinarity to transdisciplinarity in the management of neonatal pain.The objective was clear: to deepen understanding and advance clinical practice by bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise in the service of the youngest patients.Programme highlights included:Therapeutic singing as supportive careParental support and involvementEpigenetic regulatory mechanismsThe role of physiotherapists, osteopaths and lactation consultants in supporting breastfeedingAn immersive insight into the lived experience of premature infantsThe event also benefited from the contribution of distinguished speakers and moderators, including Prof. X. Durrmeyer, Dr Urgese, Prof. M. Filippa and Prof. P. Poisbeau.Scientific discussions and hands-on workshops highlighted the value of complementary and innovative approaches, actively contributing to the ongoing evolution of professional practice in neonatology.Warm congratulations to Sophie Coppens from the Neonatology Department of H.U.B., as well as to all teams, speakers and participants, for organising this exceptional day.Infos: Colloque de la douleur néonatale 2026 | Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles

It is often imagined as something impossible to overcome. A “hole in the abdomen,” a distressing image, a life turned upside down, intimacy forever changed. And yet… A hole in the abdomen... Interview with Agathe Ducrocq, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Stoma Care Nurse and Wound Care Specialist at Erasmus Hospital – H.U.BTo begin with, what exactly is a stoma?A stoma is a surgically created opening that connects a hollow organ (such as the intestine or ureter) to the surface of the skin, allowing stool or urine to be diverted outside the body. Instead of passing through the usual route, stool or urine exits through the abdomen and is collected in a pouch attached to the skin. Image Why might someone need a stoma? There are many medical reasons, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, neurological disorders or an intestinal blockage. In these situations, surgeons may need to divert the normal pathway. A stoma can be life-saving or restore quality of life to people who had lost it.How do patients react when they are told they need a stoma?The news is delivered by the doctor or surgeon and, in most cases, it comes as a shock. By the time we meet patients before surgery, they have usually had some time to begin processing the information. The pouch is often what frightens people the most. It can trigger feelings of disgust towards the stoma and the way they imagine their body will look. Seeing urine or stool leaving the body through the abdomen is understandably difficult to accept. As stoma care nurses, our role is to address these fears and show patients that it is entirely possible to live well with a stoma.What does the support provided in hospital look like?Once surgery has been scheduled, we meet patients before the surgery. We explain what a stoma is, why it is needed and how to care for it. At this stage, our goal is to reassure them, answer their questions, guide them and provide education.During the hospital stay, we provide daily follow-up alongside the nursing team. We help find the pouching system that best suits the patient's body shape, balancing comfort, safety and ease of use. We teach stoma care and, above all, take the time to answer every question, respecting each patient's pace.Our goal is for patients to feel confident and comfortable living with their pouch. In the beginning, body image is often the greatest challenge. We explain what to expect, assess how each patient is coping according to their abilities, and discuss possible complications as well as the warning signs they should be aware of.Family members are also involved in this education. They are not caregivers, but their support is invaluable, particularly if problems arise at home. We therefore maintain close communication with relatives and caregivers throughout the patient's journey: before surgery, during the hospital stay and after discharge.  Image Going home is often the most stressful moment… When patients are ready to leave the hospital, we help prepare them for their return home. We provide the necessary supplies, contact the medical equipment provider and coordinate with the home care nurse. Even when patients are independent, a home care nurse visits during the first few days to help them adapt to caring for their stoma in their own environment. This provides reassurance during an important transition.The golden rule we always repeat is simple: it is always better to call with a small question than to wait several days and return with a serious complication.What are the most common problems after discharge?The most frequent issues involve the skin: the pouch coming loose or leakage due to incorrect application. Persistent itching, repeated leaks or skin irritation are all signs that patients should contact their stoma care nurse to arrange an appointment. Sometimes, simply switching to a different pouching system solves the problem.What warning signs should patients know?For a digestive stoma: if there is no stool output accompanied by vomiting and/or abdominal pain, patients should seek urgent medical attention. Conversely, very high stool output may lead to dehydration.For a urinary stoma: dark, foul-smelling urine, especially if accompanied by a fever, requires prompt medical assessment. Image What misconception would you most like to dispel? "I'm going to have a hole in my abdomen. I'll never be able to leave the house again." This is by far the most common concern we hear. A stoma is not a wound. Daily care is clean rather than sterile: simply wash the skin with water, dry it thoroughly and that's it. Together, we will find the pouch that suits you best and give you the tools you need to live confidently with it. Modern pouches are secure, odour-proof and discreet under clothing. Going to a restaurant, flying, swimming—everything remains possible. Many patients also worry about their intimate relationships. This is a subject we always address openly and without taboo. Body image and self-confidence are just as much a part of our care as the practical aspects of stoma management.And what about psychological support?We often find ourselves listening to concerns that go beyond our own professional expertise. When a patient feels overwhelmed, we suggest meeting with a psychologist. We also try to normalise psychological support, although this is not always easy. Many people still associate seeing a psychologist with mental weakness. In reality, being able to speak freely and openly can make an enormous difference. Having a psychologist specialised in supporting people through this type of care pathway as part of our multidisciplinary team is a real benefit for our patients. Image Finally, what would you say to someone who has just learned they will need a stoma? The news will undoubtedly come as a shock. But please know that a dedicated multidisciplinary team will be there for you—from your first consultation, throughout your hospital stay, when you return home and for as long as you need us afterwards. Nurses, stoma care specialists, surgeons, psychologists and medical equipment providers work closely together, communicate regularly and adapt to your individual needs. Each professional has a specific role, but everyone is working towards the same goal: your well-being.You do not have to face this alone. Agathe Ducrocq Clinical Nurse Specialist, Stoma Care Nurse and Wound Care Specialist at Erasmus Hospital – H.U.B Contact the stomatherapy team Read also... Feeding tube: a tool to take care of yourself when your body needs itWhen a patient can no longer eat by mouth, either temporarily or on a more permanent basis, another route must be found...Read more

Catherine takes us through the major innovations that have transformed fertility medicine and discusses the key challenges facing medically assisted reproduction (MAR) today. MAR: How do you select the right embryo? Join us as we explore the major innovations that have revolutionised fertility medicine: IVF, ICSI, vitrification, preimplantation diagnosis, genetic screening, and more.Thanks to these advances, thousands of families have been able to fulfil their dream of having a child.Yet technology is never an end in itself, and it does not work the same way for every patient.It is the expertise, experience and compassionate support of multidisciplinary teams that make it possible to identify, together with each patient, the most appropriate treatment pathway.In this new episode of Hôp'Voices, Dr Catherine Houba, Director of the H.U.B. Fertility Clinic, discusses the techniques used in medically assisted reproduction and explains the challenges they present today.She also revisits the fundamentals of fertility and shares insightful stories that highlight both the successes and the limitations of fertility treatments, while dispelling some of the common misconceptions surrounding assisted reproduction.Finally, she looks ahead to the future of reproductive medicine: what will medically assisted reproduction look like tomorrow, particularly with the growing role of artificial intelligence?Listen now (in French) on:Spotify : Hôp'Voices | Podcast on SpotifyDeezer : #16 Catherine | PMA : Comment sélectionner le bon embryon ? Image

On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, this year's theme being "Hepatitis: Let's Break Down the Barriers", the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Erasme Hospital (H.U.B) is raising awareness of a major yet often overlooked public health issue and highlighting the crucial importance of early screening. Viral hepatitis B, C and D remain among the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), they claimed 1.34 million lives in 2024, representing nearly 3,500 deaths every day, most of them resulting from preventable complications. In Belgium, screening rates continue to improve: more than 760,000 hepatitis B tests and nearly 800,000 hepatitis C tests were reimbursed in 2023 (Sciensano). However, further efforts are needed to achieve the WHO's goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.These infections usually progress silently, without symptoms for many years. Up to two-thirds of people living with chronic hepatitis B and nearly half of those infected with hepatitis C remain unaware of their condition until cirrhosis or liver cancer develops. A simple blood test is therefore the key to early diagnosis. Effective treatments are now available for hepatitis B and C, capable of controlling the disease and, in the case of hepatitis C, achieving a cure.Our department is currently placing particular emphasis on hepatitis D (Delta hepatitis), the most severe form of viral hepatitis. It affects only people already infected with hepatitis B and dramatically accelerates progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer. In 2025, the WHO classified hepatitis D as carcinogenic to humans. After actively contributing about a decade ago to the clinical studies that made hepatitis C curable, our team is now involved in several clinical trials evaluating new treatments for hepatitis D, including bulevirtide, the first therapy specifically approved for this virus. However, it is still not reimbursed in Belgium.« At a time when the WHO is calling for barriers to access to care to be removed, we hope reimbursement criteria in Belgium will soon evolve, both for chronic hepatitis B and, even more urgently, for hepatitis D » said Christophe Moreno, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatopancreatology. « Erasme Hospital brings together several hepatologists specialising in viral hepatitis, an in-house molecular biology laboratory providing rapid PCR diagnosis, and FibroScan® technology to assess liver damage without the need for a biopsy. This comprehensive pathway—from screening and diagnosis to treatment and clinical research—makes our department a referral centre for liver diseases and viral hepatitis in Brussels ». Image Too many patients are still diagnosed with hepatitis only once cirrhosis has already developed, even though early detection can completely change their prognosis. Our message on World Hepatitis Day is simple: don't wait for symptoms before getting tested. Professor Christophe Moreno Head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatopancreatology, Erasmus Hospital – H.U.B GastroenterologyPress release