Experts to discuss issues related to stroke at Canadian Stroke Congress

More than 900 of the top stroke researchers, clinicians and policy experts from across Canada and around the world are gathering at the Canadian Stroke Congress in Ottawa Oct. 3 and 4 to tackle issues related to stroke, a leading cause of death and disability in this country.

The two-day meeting at the Ottawa Convention Centre features some of the most important stroke researchers in the world, including Dr. Werner Hacke of Germany, a research pioneer in the use of clot-busting drugs for ischemic stroke; Dr. Carolee Winstein of the University of Southern California, a leader in stroke rehabilitation and robotics; and Dr. Salim Yusuf of McMaster University, an international expert on identifying risk factors for stroke.

The Congress, a joint initiative of the Canadian Stroke Network (CSN), Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC) and Canadian Stroke Consortium (CSC), is the largest gathering of stroke experts in Canada. Among topics of discussion:

• the impact of physical fitness on brain health
• the promise and potential of new discoveries in basic science
• optimal timing and intensity of stroke rehabilitation
• the link between Alzheimer's and stroke
• innovative technologies to regain function after stroke
• high-tech solutions to reach rural stroke patients
• the powerful link between smoking and stroke

"This meeting is the biggest and best opportunity for Canada's stroke community to gather, share ideas, collaborate and learn about innovative approaches," says Dr. Antoine Hakim, CEO and Scientific Director of the CSN. "We are delighted that members of the European Stroke Network will join us this year to look for new ways to work together to end one of the biggest health issues facing our society."

"The Congress is a uniquely Canadian forum for experts to share the latest information in stroke education, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and community reintegration," says Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson Dr. Michael Hill.

Stroke is a leading cause of death in Canada and the leading cause of adult disability. Every year, 50,000 strokes occur in Canada and 315,000 Canadians are living with the consequences.

The Canadian Stroke Congress will be preceded by a National Stroke Course for physicians and workshops in the areas of basic science, nursing, rehabilitation and health promotion.