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Gamma Knife is a radiosurgery technique used to treat deep-seated areas of the brain with gamma rays. This technique is used to treat certain intracranial vascular abnormalities, certain functional neurological disorders, and certain benign or malignant brain tumours.The challenge facing present-day and future neurosurgery is to treat brain diseases by acting in areas of the brain that are difficult to access, while avoiding damage along the route of the procedure. A technique combining performance, precision and effectiveness, while allowing patients to return home the following day and to work in the days thereafter, was therefore needed to meet this challenge.The successful operation of Gamma Knife is the result of a fruitful collaboration established from the outset between the Neurosurgery Department of Erasme Hospital and the Radiotherapy Department of the Jules Bordet Institute.Approximately 300 patients from all over Belgium are treated each year, as well as many patients from countries without a Gamma Knife centre, such as Bulgaria and Algeria. Gamma Knife treatments are provided for certain intracranial vascular abnormalities, certain functional neurological disorders, and certain benign or malignant brain tumours.Alongside its clinical activities, the Gamma Knife Centre also contributes to the development of knowledge in the field of radiosurgery through significant scientific and research output.The Gamma Knife Centre was incorporated into the New Erasme project in two phases. As the Gamma Knife building is located on the site of the future New Erasme construction project, it will first have to be relocated within the hospital. At the end of the works, the centre will then move into the new New Erasme hospital, in new premises that will house medical imaging.Visit the Gamma Knife websiteGamma Knife philosophy“The sterile conflict between conventional microneurosurgery and Gamma Knife radiosurgery is behind us. Today, it is clear that these two treatment modalities are complementary. When there is a choice between these two therapies, the better one should be offered to the patient, taking into consideration the results and risks of each treatment, with the ultimate goal of preserving the best possible quality of life” (Professor Jacques Brotchi, founder of the ULB Gamma Knife Centre).Cost of Gamma Knife treatmentThe cost of Gamma Knife treatment depends on the patient’s administrative status:Belgian patient with valid health insurancePatient from a European Union country in possession of an E112 formPatient from a European Union country without an E112 formPatient from a country outside the European UnionMaking an appointmentTel.: 02 555 3357Fax: 02 555 3158Email: Patients [dot] GammaKnife [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Patients[dot]GammaKnife[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)SecretariatTel.: 02 555 3060Fax: 02 555 3176

The nutrition group brings together people working in the field of nutrition across various hospital departments. The nutrition team’s main areas of interest are oral nutritional supplements, enteral tube feeding and parenteral nutrition. TeamCoordinatorProf. Jean-Charles PreiserMembersProf. Marianna ArvanitakisDr Sandra De BreuckerDr Johanne GarbusinskiDr Nicolas RoperMs Myriam AutphenneMs Asuncion BallarinMr Daniele ColluraMr Mathieu De RyckereMs Sylvie FarineMs Nathalie GuerryMs Viviane LievinMs Justine ThomasMaking an appointmentTeamEmail: Nutrition [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Nutrition[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)Home SupportEmail: Support-Domicile [dot] Nutrition [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Support-Domicile[dot]Nutrition[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)This multidisciplinary service comprises physicians from various departments of Erasme Hospital, pharmacists, dietitians and nurses working in different care units. Nutrition nurse coordinatorBallarin AsuncionTel.: 02 555 5578Email: asuncion [dot] ballarin [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (asuncion[dot]ballarin[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)Enteral nutrition (tube feeding)Tel.: 02 555 3908Parenteral nutrition (infusion)Tel.: 02 555 4481

  The optimal care of a patient with cancer is based on a combination of medical and technological expertise, together with a human and personalised approach to the patient and their family. At Erasme Hospital, an academic general hospital, this approach is coordinated and integrated within the Multidisciplinary Oncology Care Programme (PSOM). Through this programme, all the specialties and experts involved in the care of patients with cancer interact and work together in a coordinated manner for the benefit of the patient, who receives both a comprehensive and an “individualised” approach from the various services involved. From the time of diagnosis, the patient follows a specific care pathway within the hospital, where they are guided, accompanied and supported by oncology care nurse coordinators (ICSO) throughout the various stages of their treatment. Care for patients and their families As soon as the diagnosis is announced, a range of professionals are involved in order to provide the patient and their family with all the information relating to the selected treatment and its initiation, whether it is medication-based (chemotherapy, targeted therapies), surgical or radiotherapy-based. Practical and logistical aspects are taken into account, as is the patient’s environment, both socially and within the family. As part of the comprehensive approach, the patient also receives psychological, dietary and social assessment and support, as well as specific care for symptoms such as pain and for aspects related to their well-being. The patient’s family and children also receive appropriate support where necessary. Brochures covering these aspects and practical advice are available to patients.

The Trauma Centre provides care for severely injured patients and mobilises an expert, trained multidisciplinary medical and paramedical team every day (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to ensure comprehensive and optimal care, from the call to 112 through to patient stabilisation (the chain of survival) and then rehabilitation. Severe trauma affects a large number of people every year, whether they are involved in road traffic, occupational or domestic accidents, or are victims of assault, and has become a major public health issue. Indeed, severe trauma is recognised as the leading cause of death among people under 40 and, if the patient survives, as a cause of severe morbidity and disability. The care of severely injured patients cannot be improvised. It requires expertise, equipment, protocols and a specific care pathway in order to optimise patient survival rates. Erasme Hospital has the infrastructure, equipment and medical resources required to offer a comprehensive care pathway for severely injured patients. This structured chain of care involves an expert, trained multidisciplinary medical and paramedical team to ensure comprehensive and optimal care, from the call to 112 through to patient stabilisation (the chain of survival) and then rehabilitation. “Trauma Centre” certification Since September 2022, Erasme Hospital has been accredited to provide level 1 care for severely injured patients.  

Vascular pathology is the specialty concerned with diseases of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels) and performs vascular surgery. The department consists of a medical and surgical team dedicated to caring for patients with vascular conditions. Pathology Department The medical and surgical team in the Vascular Pathology Department includes vascular surgeons, internists and physiotherapists. There is also close collaboration with interventional radiologists, anaesthetists and other specialties such as Dermatology, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. The department provides vascular surgery and treats a wide range of conditions, including: Peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs. Lesions of the supra-aortic vessels (carotid arteries, thoracic outlet syndrome). Venous insufficiency of the lower limbs and varicose veins. Aortic aneurysms (open and endovascular surgery). Venous thromboembolic disease. Raynaud’s phenomenon and other acrosyndromes. Creation of arteriovenous fistulas. Surgical management of diabetic foot. Lymphoedema.

The Infectious and Tropical Diseases Clinic focuses on infectious diseases, which involves studying the pathophysiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, both community-acquired and hospital-acquired (nosocomial). The Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department at Erasme Hospital is a centre accredited by the Ministry of Health and is therefore referred to as the “Travel Clinic”.

The Outpatient Neurological Functional Rehabilitation Centre (CRFNA) is a treatment facility for people with cerebral and neurological disorders. Rehabilitation aims to achieve the greatest possible independence and seeks to facilitate reintegration into family, social and, where applicable, professional life.   The Outpatient Neurological Functional Rehabilitation Centre is a multidisciplinary rehabilitation centre. All disciplines involved in the consequences of neurological disorders are represented: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychology, psychology and the Social Work Department. Each discipline, with its specific objectives and methods, contributes to the collective effort to achieve the best possible outcome in rehabilitation and reintegration. This teamwork, which is intended to be interdisciplinary, is characterised by a commitment to information sharing, collaboration and continuous critical review. Objectives People who have suffered a cerebrovascular accident (thrombosis or haemorrhage), a head injury (following a road traffic accident, a fall, etc.) or any other neurological disorder can contact the CRFNA. These disorders often impair motor function (hemiplegia), manual dexterity and coordination, balance and walking. Higher functions, known as “cognitive” functions (such as concentration, memory, reasoning and language), are often affected. The CRFNA team attaches particular importance to people with cognitive disorders, as these are often unrecognised and limit daily activities and independence. However, for care to be optimal, it must begin as early as possible.   Making an appointment Tel.: 02 555 6855 Tel.: 02 555 3394   It is advisable to bring a referral letter from your doctor and a brief summary of your medical record. The therapies take place over several half-days per week (from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), and you will be offered an individual schedule. Medical secretariat Tel.: 02 555 6855 Fax: 02 555 6860

What is pulsatile tinnitus? Pulsatile tinnitus is the perception of a rhythmic noise, often described as a beating or whooshing sound, that is synchronised with the patient’s pulse. Unlike conventional tinnitus, which is generally constant and non-rhythmic, pulsatile tinnitus is often a sign of a vascular abnormality or a blood circulation problem near the ear. SymptomsSymptoms of pulsatile tinnitus include:A beating or pulsating sound in one or both ears.A sensation of sound that may increase with exercise or when the head is tilted, or decrease with gentle compression of certain parts of the neck.Sometimes accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness or ear pain. Care Imaging examinationsTo identify the possible causes of pulsatile tinnitus, several imaging examinations are used:Brain MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): to visualise the blood vessels in the brain and neck and detect masses, vascular malformations or other structural abnormalities.Computed tomography angiography (CT angiography) and temporal bone CT scan: to assess vascular abnormalities.Doppler ultrasound: to examine blood flow in the cervical and intracranial vessels.Conventional angiography: sometimes necessary for a more detailed examination of the blood vessels.Medical care pathwayPatients suffering from pulsatile tinnitus should consult several specialists, including:ENT specialist (otorhinolaryngologist): initial consultation to assess the symptoms and perform the first examinations.Radiologist: to perform and interpret the imaging examinations.Neurologist: if intracranial vascular abnormalities are suspected.Cardiologist: if a cardiovascular cause is suspected.Interventional neuroradiologist: for cases requiring an endovascular procedure, particularly venous sinus stenting.TreatmentsTreatment options for pulsatile tinnitus depend on the underlying cause:Medical treatment: for causes related to hypertension or metabolic abnormalities.Surgical or endovascular intervention: for arteriovenous malformations, glomus tumours or dural fistulas.Endovascular embolisation: to treat certain types of vascular malformations, particularly using a stent.Auditory therapies: such as hearing aids or white-noise generators to reduce the perception of tinnitus.Behavioural therapy: to help patients manage the stress and anxiety associated with pulsatile tinnitus.The level of evidence for these treatments varies, with surgical and endovascular interventions often based on case reports and clinical series, whereas medical and behavioural treatments have more robust evidence for symptom management.Multidisciplinary discussionThe management of pulsatile tinnitus often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving regular discussions between ENT specialists, radiologists, interventional neuroradiologists, neurologists, cardiologists and neurosurgeons to determine the exact cause and choose the appropriate treatment.Follow-upFollow-up of patients with pulsatile tinnitus is crucial in order to:Monitor treatment effectiveness: particularly after surgical or endovascular intervention.Manage residual symptoms: with ongoing auditory or behavioural therapies.Control risk factors: such as hypertension or other underlying medical conditions.Follow-up is provided by a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care and improve patients’ quality of life.  Our specialists Make an appointment Associated services

Our role Physical health and mental well-being are inextricably linked and as a patient you are at the centre of our concerns.  Our department has a number of psychologists who are active throughout the hospital. They are available for consultations or can be contacted during your hospitalisation. Psychologists have a clinical mission as care providers, supporting the patient and family and preventing, diagnosing and treating complaints of psychological origin and expression. This psychological support can help you regain your sense of well-being when faced with a health problem and, if needed, facilitate contacts with the care team as a whole.     Image Our specialities The fields of expertise of the Erasmus Hospital psychologists vary depending on the medical department in which the psychologist is present. A psychologist assigned to a particular department (cardiology, pneumology, neurology, oncology, etc.) is therefore specialised in the specific psychological needs of patients in that department. Liaison psychologists act as a “link” in facilitating communication between you, as a patient, and the care team.   The Psychology Department also proposes psychological questionnaires and inventories, cognitive or neuropsychological tests, personality tests, intellectual tests and psychological tests.   First line psychological care is also available. These are interventions of short duration that make it possible to regain mental well-being in the case of temporary fragility or difficulty.    Research The Psychology Department also engages in scientific research. This research focuses on a range of subjects, including sleep, psycho-oncology, intensive care, psychology in the workplace. For example, in response to the COVID crisis the Psychology Department initiated research into the impact of the health crisis on the mental health of nursing staff, leading to scientific collaboration with a number of Belgian hospitals.   The Psychology Department also plays an active role in teaching at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and in practical training for future psychologists.    Publications Mental health outcomes differences in healthcare workers in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 care units: a cross-sectional survey in Belgium Authors : Tiete J., Guatteri M., Lachaux A., Loas G., Hougardy J-M., Matossian A., Rotsaert M.Journal: Frontiers in Psychology  08 November 2023 Self-report of empathy: a shortened french adaptation of the interpersonal reactivity index (iri) using two large belgian samples. Authors : Braun S, Rosseel Y, Kempenaers C, Loas G, Linkowski P. Journal : Psychol Rep. 2015 Dec; 117(3):735-53.  08 November 2023 The assessment of autistic traits with the Autism Spectrum Quotient: Contribution of the French version to its construct validity. Authors : Kempenaers C., Braun S., Delvaux N., and Linkowski P. Journal: (2017). European Review of Applied Psychology, 67(6), 299-306. Doi : 10.1016/j.erap.2017.09.001  08 November 2023 French Adaptation of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory in a Belgian French-Speaking Sample. Authors : Braun S, Kempenaers C, Linkowski P, Loas G. Journal: Front Psychol. 2016 Dec 23; 7  08 November 2023 Our Team Image Our medical specialists

What is obesity? Being overweight or obese is defined as having an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that is harmful to health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers that a person is overweight when their body mass index (BMI) is above 25 and is obese when it is equal to or above 30.  In Belgium, 49.3% of the adult population is overweight and 16% of the population is obese. The risk of being overweight or obese increases with age as it applies to one third and one fifth of the population respectively after the age of 35.  It is a public health problem associated with the development of numerous diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.     Care The Erasmus Hospital Integrated Obesity Centre (CIO)  proposes three care modules for persons who are overweight or obese: intensive coaching, medical interventions (including intergastric balloon or gastric pication) and surgery. Each module is personalised for each patient. As a patient at the CIO you are at the heart of a multidisciplinary team of experts in which you are the key actor in your own care. At each stage you will be accompanied by a team of dieticians, psychologists, endocrinologists, nutritionist doctors, gastroenterologists, surgeons and physiotherapists.    The Integrated Obesity Centre is associated with the Multidisciplinary Obesity Centre for Children located on the HUDERF Campus  that is dedicated to caring for children and adolescents.  These young people receive, on the basis of a medical convention,  multidisciplinary and structured care that is adapted to their needs.    Image Research The treatment of obesity, for adults and children, is constantly evolving.    There are numerous research projects in this area, ranging from theses on dietetics (including in children), physiotherapy, psychology and medicine to drug studies and academic studies. The Integrated Obesity Centre and Multidisciplinary Obesity Centre for Children aim to be at the forefront of research and teaching.   

What is a stroke ? Stroke is a serious condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off. The stroke can cause a sudden loss of brain function and symptoms such as muscular weakness and speech, vision and balance problems. It is essential to respond rapidly to stroke symptoms as every minute counts in minimising brain damage and possibly saving lives. It is therefore essential to know the common signs of a stroke and to dial 112 immediately in the event of a suspected stroke.  Care Time is of the essence when treating a stroke and TIA (transient ischemic attack). This is why the Erasmus Hospital offers a specific care pathway for these patients on arrival at the Emergency Department or on hospitalisation. This pathway is  provided by a team of stroke specialists: a neurologist available on site 24/7, 6 vascular neurologists, 6 interventional neuroradiologists, specialised paramedics and    two operating theatres dedicated solely to surgery following brain damage. This exceptionally rapid intervention enables our multidisciplinary team to minimise brain damage to patients and to optimise their prospects of long-term recovery.  

What is it? An atrial septal defect is a “hole” in the interatrial septum, thereby creating a connection between the left atrium and the right atrium. It is a common malformation (6–10% of congenital heart disease; 1 in 1,500 births). This atrial septal defect allows oxygenated blood to mix with “deoxygenated” blood. The result is an increased workload for the right atrium, the right ventricle and the lungs. Symptoms Shortness of breath or fatigue during exertion, palpitations… People with an atrial septal defect are more likely to have a Cerebrovascular accident. Treatment Treatment depends on the size and location of the defect and its effects on the heart and lungs. Very often, the atrial septal defect is closed surgically. It is also possible to close it percutaneously (that is, without surgically opening the chest, using cardiac catheterisation techniques).