PNA spearheads National Neurology Week

The Philippine Neurological Association (PNA) is spearheading the observance of National Neurology Week until Nov. 16 to raise public awareness on the different neurological diseases and its related disorders.

This marks the second time that this event will be celebrated after President Arroyo declared the second week of November as National Neurology Week when she signed Proclamation No. 1408 last year.

It was through the efforts of Dr. Raquel Alvarez, PNA immediate past president, that this event became a reality through a successful celebration at the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park last year.

This year, under the leadership of current president Dr. Johnny Lokin, the PNA made plans for a nationwide observance. 

The PNA has mobilized its members and benefactors to bring to fore awareness on the field of neurology, neurological disorders, and their conse­quences.

Arguably one of the lesser understood branches of medicine, neurology encompasses a broad spectrum of diseases like stroke, migraine and headache, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, pain syndromes, nerve and muscle disorders, meningitis and head trauma. 

These may present as numbness, weakness, memory problems, change in level of consciousness, seizures, and even behavioral abnormalities. 

Contrary to what many people think, neurology is not psychiatry.

This year’s activities are marked by various neurological awareness activities in the respective training institutions in Metro Manila as well as in major hospitals and selected areas nationwide. 

Aside from these, simultaneous activities, including teaching rounds, “Start Them Young” awareness in elementary school and free outpatient services, are held in selected areas. 

Sta. Rosa, Laguna, was chosen as the key area for Luzon, and Cebu City in the Visayas. In southern Mindanao, the main activities are organized by the newest PNA chapter in the area.

Until tomorrow, the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Aurora are having special activities in the form of teaching rounds, and outpatient services for children with neuro-developmental problems. There will be an outreach program in remote Dingalan, Aurora tomorrow.

The National Neurology Week activities culminate on Nov. 16 at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

The event, with the theme is “Pangangalaga ng Utak… Paalala ng Bawat Padyak,” will be graced by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dr. Esperanza Cabral and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. 

The program will be highlighted by the reading of the proclamation declaring the second week of November as National Neurology Week and a recap of events during the weeklong celebration.

Biking exercises and calisthenics, free blood screening, memory assessment and education for the prevention of neurological diseases are also slated.

Lastly, this will be followed by the 30th Philippine Neurological Association annual convention on Nov. 19-20, 2008 the theme “Spectrum of Neurological Disorders: Current Trends to Future Directions” at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.