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On the occasion of World Obesity Day, Ingrid Hanson, a dietitian accredited by the Federal Public Service for Public Health at the Integrated Obesity Center of H.U.B., explains the delicate issue of nutrition for patients who wish or need to lose weight. A personalized and Sustainable Care What is the role of a dietitian in the management of a patient with obesity? How does this differ from that of a nutritionist?The Integrated Obesity Center supports patients who are overweight or living with obesity in their weight loss journey, whether through lifestyle modifications alone or with the help of medication or surgical techniques.My role within the team is to support patients in these three approaches throughout the entire proposed program, aiming for comprehensive and sustainable care.This includes assessing their eating habits, implementing personalized nutritional follow-up adapted to their treatment, providing therapeutic education, and offering motivational support. I work closely with the multidisciplinary team (surgeons, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, internist, physician nutritionist, and psychologists) to offer a complete and situation-specific approach.To answer your question regarding the approach of nutritionists, it is important to clarify that the term “nutritionist” is not legally protected in Belgium.At the CIO, we are 4 dietitians and we also collaborate with a general practitioner who is a nutritionist. This is important to specify because the term “nutritionist” does not carry much meaning, as it is not protected in Belgium, unlike the title “dietitian.” The title of Dietitian is legally protected and defined by the Royal Decree of February 19, 1997. In addition, accreditation granted by the Federal Public Service for Public Health is mandatory to demonstrate that dietitians meet the required standards to practice (education, internships, continuing professional development, compliance with professional regulations) and to guarantee patients a professional, high-quality service.The physician nutritionist (or holder of the interuniversity certificate in clinical nutrition) has a complementary approach to that of dietitians.At the Integrated Obesity Center, the physician nutritionist mainly addresses the medical and metabolic aspects: making diagnoses and prescribing tests and medical treatments.As a dietitian, I specialize in daily nutritional and micronutritional support. The era of rigid meal plans is over! Our support is designed to be practical, personalized, and applicable to everyday life. This is even more relevant with the arrival of new drug treatments, which require regular monitoring of muscle mass, protein intake, and vitamin and mineral intake.Our goal is to support all patients engaged in weight loss over the long term, help them gradually modify their eating behaviors through concrete and realistic objectives, limit the risk of nutritional deficiencies, overcome barriers, and build a more peaceful relationship with food.How do you adapt dietary advice to different patient profiles?Each patient is unique, which is why adaptation is central to our work. Our patients follow different care pathways and may benefit from medication, an intragastric balloon, or surgery to support weight loss. Management is progressively tailored on a case-by-case basis, including possible texture adaptations, adjustments in portion sizes, and advice to relieve treatment side effects.To personalize care, I consider age, sex, family and social context, eating habits and preferences, level of physical activity, and any associated medical conditions.For adults followed at the CIO, support focuses on daily organization (meal timing, help with menu planning, portion sizes, incorporating moments of physical activity), managing meals at work, understanding hunger and satiety signals, and ensuring long-term sustainability of changes.Advice may also vary according to sex, particularly to account for hormonal differences, life stages such as menopause, and specific individual issues.For patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or metabolic disorders, I work closely with the medical team to provide targeted, safe, and personalized nutritional recommendations.The objective always remains the same: within the framework of a chronic disease, where the risk of relapse is real regardless of the treatment implemented, to propose adapted, realistic nutrition compatible with daily life in order to promote sustainable changes and improve quality of life.What are the most common dietary obstacles you observe among your patients and how do you help them overcome them?Obesity is recognized as a multifactorial disease linked to overall lifestyle. Dietary obstacles are often multiple and intertwined.On an emotional level, many patients exhibit eating behaviors influenced by stress, fatigue, anxiety, or negative emotions. Collaboration with psychologists is essential here. Our role is to help patients better identify their emotional triggers, for example through a food diary, and to develop alternative strategies.On a social level, professional constraints, irregular schedules, meals eaten on the go, lack of time to cook, and social pressure play a significant role. I support patients by working with them to find practical, realistic solutions adapted to their lifestyle to facilitate daily meal organization.Economic factors are also decisive. Some patients have limited food budgets, which may hinder access to food perceived as healthier. I analyze with them the products they commonly purchase and the stores they frequent to identify healthier yet equally affordable alternatives. I also adapt menus and meal preparation techniques accordingly.Regarding differences between men and women, women seem more often confronted with mental load, emotional management, and guilt related to food, whereas men more frequently face barriers related to large portions, alcohol consumption, or eating out. Due to family organization, many women also appear to have more difficulty establishing regular physical activity.These are, of course, general trends, and each situation remains unique. In all cases, the support aims to identify and gradually overcome these obstacles through a compassionate approach, building concrete, personalized, and sustainable solutions with each patient.Why is weight stabilization often more difficult than initial weight loss?We must never forget that obesity is a chronic disease of adipose tissue. Losing weight is often easier than maintaining it, because the body naturally resists weight loss and seeks to return to its initial balance. This applies to all treatments: lifestyle changes, intragastric balloon placement, medication, and surgery.Stabilization therefore requires long-term support and continuous adaptation. Above all, what matters is preventing health problems related to excess weight, even if many patients will have to grieve the idea of their ideal weight.What misconceptions about nutrition and obesity would you like to dispel among the general public?One only has to read the many malicious comments on social media: obesity is still perceived as a weakness, a lack of willpower. With the arrival of new drug treatments for obesity, I have the impression that this hostility is increasing: people are made to feel guilty, led to believe they are “stealing” medication from diabetics, or that they are seeking an easy solution.In reality, obesity is a chronic, complex, and multifactorial disease influenced by genetic, hormonal, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Reducing it to a statement such as “you just need to move more and eat less” is not only degrading but also medically incorrect.Another misconception is that following a strict diet, receiving injectable treatments, or undergoing surgery would be enough to solve the problem permanently. Since it is a chronic disease, one never truly recovers from it, and any weight loss induced by restrictive techniques will lead to yo-yo effects, frustration, guilt, and, in the long term, weight regain.For this reason, we always prioritize establishing the most balanced and sustainable daily eating habits possible, even if the theoretical ideal weight is not reached. The primary goal is to achieve an overall improvement in health, well-being, and quality of life. Contactez le Centre Intégré de l'Obésité Also read: Treating Obesity in 2026Professor Jean-Charles Preiser, from the Department of Internal Medicine and expert within the team of the Integrated Obesity Centre at H.U.B, explains the new approaches to managing this chronic disease. Read more Ingrid Hantson Dietitian accredited by the Federal Public Service for Public Health at the Integrated Obesity Center of H.U.B.

The Neurology Department of H.U.B is inaugurating today its brand-new Integrated Memory Clinic, dedicated to the care of people living with memory disorders or other cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease: a major public health issue An estimated 200,000 to 220,000 persons in Belgium are at present living with a form of dementia or major neurocognitive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause (in 50% to 70% of cases). By 2050 the number of people living with such a disorder in Belgium is expected to be between 330,000 and 390,000, mainly due to the ageing population. In addition to the patients, thousands of loved ones and care workers are also affected, often facing a fragmented and complex care pathway. Meeting medical needs that remain insufficiently covered The Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe) originated in an inescapable reality: patients with cognitive disorders require an  early assessment, a precise diagnosis and coordinated follow-up, covering medical, cognitive, functional and psychosocial dimensions. The H.U.B’s CIMe thus proposes a comprehensive and systemic patient pathway from the first consultation to long-term monitoring. At a single site a specialised and multidisciplinary team (neurologists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, specialised nurses) is at the service of the patients and their loved ones. Dr. Jean-Christophe Bier, Neurologist: “Our Integrated Memory Clinic enables us to improve monitoring, support and care for our patients and their families as effectively as possible while respecting their expectations and every specific situation, acting as  always at the forefront of science.”   A unique clinic by virtue of its integrated approach and leading edge technologies The Integrated Memory Clinic is distinctive for the way it integrates in the clinical routine  technologies that are rarely found within the same hospital structure: fully equipped observation rooms for the real time monitoring of neurological parameters (recordings day and night), Belgium’s only magnetoencephalography (MEG) machine and a unique virtual reality  chamber to assess patients in simulated environments that closely resemble their everyday environment. All of this at the heart of a pathway coordinated by a specialised multidisciplinary team.   This integrated approach permits a better understanding of cognitive disorders, a more personalised care and an improved patient experience. Clinical care and research: closely linked for the benefit of patientsThe Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe) was also made possible thanks to the support it received from the Erasmus Fund, a committed partner of the H.U.B in developing innovative projects and in research.  Through this support the Erasmus Fund has helped finance clinical research projects pursued in tandem with care activity, including the “Remember” project that served to establish a large cohort of patients across the continuum of Alzheimer’s and associated neurodegenerative diseases with the aim of better defining the prognosis factors for the development of the disease. This research is part of the joint hospital-university dynamic that seeks to achieve progress in medical practices and include scientifically validated innovations more rapidly in patient care and treatment. Dr. Mélanie Strauss, Neurologist: “With the launch of the Integrated Memory Clinic and the support of the Erasmus Fund, we are building a reference centre combining clinical excellence and high level academic research so as to speed up discoveries and translate them directly into benefits for the patient.” An inauguration that looks to the futureWith the Integrated Memory Clinic the H.U.B’s  Department of Neurology is again placing its expertise in the service of treating complex pathologies and affirming its desire to provide a specific and innovative response to the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders by proposing individual and personalised pathways for each patient. Professor Nicolas Gaspard, Head of the Department of Neurology at the H.U.B:  “Thanks to the Integrated Memory Clinic and support from the Erasmus Fund, the H.U.B’s Department of Neurology is adopting a resolutely positive and bold approach to the future of neurodegenerative diseases.” CIMe - Contact & information

Our Clinic specializes in the diagnosis and management of movement disorders (including those caused by Parkinson’s disease). We offer a multidisciplinary approach, personalized follow-up, and access to advanced therapies. For specialized care of movement disorders Abnormal movements may result from various neurological, genetic, or metabolic diseases, may be related to certain medications or brain injuries, and are influenced by different risk factors. Their diagnosis and management therefore require specialized expertise to accurately identify the cause and adapt treatment in order to best preserve patients’ quality of life. Image Image Image Diagnosis and management of movement disorders We provide personalized care focused on quality of life and the patient’s goals through, among other things, a multidisciplinary approach integrating both motor and non-motor aspects (cognition, sleep, pain, mood, autonomy, etc.). When necessary, we refer patients to advanced therapies and specialized care pathways.  Personalized and multidisciplinary care Our comprehensive clinical assessment and longitudinal follow-up include the possibility of objectively tracking disease progression through clinical examinations, standardized scales, and even video recording when indicated. Movement disorders are not limited to motor symptoms; therefore, we pay special attention to non-motor symptoms and their impact on relatives. As a clinic within a leading university hospital, our academic expertise and our teaching and research activities directly benefit patients. Finally, our close collaboration with neurological rehabilitation within Erasmus Hospital allows us to offer optimal functional care and autonomy. Our care services Depending on the clinical situation, the Movement Disorders Clinic of the H.U.B offers:Specialized consultations (diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment adjustment)Assessment and management of:Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonian syndromesTremorsDystonia (involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal postures or repetitive, sometimes painful movements)Chorea (rapid, jerky, unpredictable movements giving the impression the body is “dancing” involuntarily)TicsMyoclonus (sudden, very brief muscle jerks similar to involuntary startles)Gait and balance disorders (also called “ataxias”)Functional movement disordersEvaluation of complications (fluctuations, dyskinesia, pain, falls, autonomic nervous system disorders, sleep, anxiety, depression, fatigue, cognitive disorders, etc.)Referral to specific/advanced treatments when indicated (in collaboration with relevant teams):Botulinum toxin injectionsPump therapiesDeep brain stimulation (DBS)Coordination of multidisciplinary care (physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology, etc.)Patient education and information: practical advice, reliable resources, information sessions Make an appointment Our team The team of the Movement Disorders Clinic of the H.U.B includes specialized physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare staff:Physiotherapist: Sara Ben ChekrounSpeech therapist: Sophie RobertNeuropsychologists: Hichem Slama and Christelle MaenhoutPsychologist: Véronique Simons Dr. Frédéric Supiot, Director of the Clinic Position: Neurologist, specialist in movement disordersConsults for Parkinson’s disease, tremors, dystonia, and other movement disordersPrincipal investigator in clinical research (Enroll HD program for Huntington’s disease)Performs botulinum toxin injections for certain movement disorders such as dystonia and hemispasmExpertise in DBS (deep brain stimulation) implantation and programmingExpertise in initiation, adjustment, and follow-up of patients treated with Duodopa pump therapy Dr. Virginie Destrebecq Position: Neurologist, specialist in movement disordersConsults for Parkinson’s disease, tremors, dystonia, and other movement disorders, as well as degenerative cerebellar diseases (ataxia) and functional neurological disordersReference specialist for rare ataxia diseases within the European network (ERN-RND)Principal investigator in clinical and cross-sectional research (essential tremor) Dr. Vincent Leclercq Position: Neurologist, specialist in movement disordersConsults for Parkinson’s disease, tremors, dystonia, and other movement disordersPays special attention to non-motor symptoms (behavioral disorders, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, urinary and digestive disorders, pain, etc.)Promotes a global approach, with links to neurological rehabilitation when neededPerforms DBS programming and botulinum toxin injections Dr. Alexandra Boogers Position: Neurologist, specialist in movement disordersConsults for Parkinson’s disease, tremors, dystonia, and other movement disordersExpertise in DBS implantation and programming Services we collaborate with Neurology Lien vers Neurology Neurosurgery Lien vers Neurosurgery Radiology - Medical Imaging Lien vers Radiology - Medical Imaging As part of our collaboration with the Neurology Department, we regularly work with:Neurological Rehabilitation Unit (multidisciplinary rehabilitation)Sleep Unit (polysomnography)Clinical Neurophysiology Unit (recording of abnormal movements) FAQ on Parkinson’s disease and its management 1. What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological disorder associated with a progressive decrease in dopamine in certain regions of the brain. It can lead to motor symptoms (slowness, stiffness, tremor), but also non-motor symptoms (sleep disorders, fatigue, constipation, pain, anxiety, cognitive disorders, etc.). 2. What are the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? The first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be subtle and variable. The most common are:Slowness of movement (bradykinesia),Stiffness (rigidity),Resting tremor (not always present),Reduced arm swing when walking,Smaller handwriting (micrographia),Changes in voice,Non-motor symptoms such as constipation, loss of smell, sleep disorders (especially agitation during dreams), or unusual fatigue. 3. At what age does Parkinson’s disease begin? Parkinson’s disease most often begins after the age of 60, but it can also affect younger people. Early-onset Parkinson’s is defined when symptoms appear before the age of 50. The age of onset varies from one person to another and does not necessarily affect the severity of the disease. 4. What are the causes of Parkinson’s disease? The exact causes of Parkinson’s disease remain partially unknown. It results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In most cases, the disease is not hereditary. Exposure to certain pesticides or toxins is being studied as a possible risk factor. 5. How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed? The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is primarily clinical. It is based on neurological examination and observation of symptoms. There is currently no single biological test. Additional examinations (brain MRI, dopaminergic scintigraphy) may be performed to rule out other diseases. 6. Is there a treatment for Parkinson’s disease? There is currently no curative treatment for Parkinson’s disease, but several treatments can effectively relieve symptoms. Dopaminergic medications, rehabilitation (physiotherapy, speech therapy), and in some cases deep brain stimulation significantly improve quality of life. 7. Is Parkinson’s disease hereditary? In the vast majority of cases, Parkinson’s disease is not hereditary. Only 5 to 10% of patients have an identified genetic form. Having a relative with the disease does not necessarily imply a high risk of developing it. 8. What is the life expectancy with Parkinson’s disease? The life expectancy of people with Parkinson’s disease is close to that of the general population, especially when the disease is well managed. Medical advances and multidisciplinary care have significantly improved prognosis and quality of life. 9. Can you live normally with Parkinson’s disease? Yes, it is possible to live a long and active life with Parkinson’s disease. Appropriate treatment, regular physical activity, medical support, and psychological support allow many people to maintain their independence and a satisfactory social life for many years. 10. Where can you find reliable information about Parkinson’s disease? For reliable information about Parkinson’s disease, it is recommended to consult:Your neurologist,Recognized patient associations,Institutional websites (university hospitals, scientific societies),Resources validated by healthcare professionals.

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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)

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