This month, some of our Lab members visited our collaborators at the University Hospital Bellvitge in Barcelona/Spain, to attend the 7th Mapping Course and Neuropsychological Assistance Workshop.
The three-day event brought together academics and medical professionals from across Europe and other parts of the world working with brain tumour patients, all dedicated to advancing neuropsychological assistance in pre-, intra- and post-operative settings.
Course Highlights
The course was led by renowned experts in Spain, including Dr. Gabarrós, Chairman of the Neurosurgery Department and Brain Mapping Program Director at Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, and Dr. Anna Gasa-Roqué, neuropsychologist and researcher from the Neuropsychology Unit at the same institution. The workshop covered a wide range of topics essential for professionals involved in neuropsychological practices, such as language and cognitive assessment of glioma patients undergoing awake brain surgery, but also for professionals that provide other aspects of patient care, such as physiotherapists, oncologists and counsellors. Hands-on workshops focused on pre- and post-surgery evaluations for this bespoke patient group, comprising intraoperative mapping and monitoring of language, and provided an insight into the neuropsychological practice as it is conducted at the Bellvitge Hospital. Attendees were also part of discussions revolving around best and new practices in patient care, such as the organising team’s recent clinical case involving a patient whose chess-playing abilities were tested alongside language and cognitive skills (see here for a case report).
BLB Lab’s Experience
For the BLB Lab members, the course was an enriching experience where they engaged with leading professionals, participated in interactive sessions, and gained a deeper understanding of the standard of care in neuropsychological assistance outside of the UK. The workshop also offered the opportunity to expand our networks, engage in open exchange and international collaboration to help us collectively advance our knowledge through research and ultimately improve practice and patient care.
Not only workshop sessions, but also a concert!
The lab members were also treated to a unique evening concert, “Simfonia dels herois”, a project where clinicians and patients from Bellvitge Hospital come together to make music, produce songs and perform them to different audiences (have a look at the fascinating story behind the project and a documentary here). The concert, an initiative by Dr. Gabarrós, raises awareness of the impact of brain tumours on patients, and how much survival rates have increased in recent years thanks to research in improving surgical practice and techniques. A truly emotional experience!
Looking Ahead: Awake Craniotomy Symposium at UWE
The team returned from Barcelona inspired by the work of their Spanish peers and are excited to be part of the growing network of international collaborators with a common aim to advance neuropsychological research and practice.
We, for our part, are teaming up with the North Bristol NHS Trust and Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission to contribute to this journey and invite you to the Awake Craniotomy Symposium 2025, which will be held at UWE Bristol on Friday 23rd May 2025.
Save the date and stay tuned for more updates!