Coming to France for the first time, the 13th Congress of the European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD) will convene in Toulouse, renowned for its French gastronomy and aerospace prominence. The congress follows ESSD courses and unites medical and paramedical experts dedicated to diagnosing and managing swallowing disorders across ages and pathologies. Participants include ENT specialists, rehabilitative physicians, neurologists, geriatricians, paediatricians, speech therapists, occupational therapists and dieticians, reflecting the international scope of this European society.
This year, sessions adopt a modular structure featuring keynote speeches, interactive round tables with short presentations and e-poster sessions. Commencing the congress is a module spotlighting innovation in assessment and rehabilitation, with guest speaker Dr Roberto Danoto (Italy). A subsequent module delves into neurology, particularly dysautonomia and neurodegenerative diseases, featuring Dr Pavy Le Traon from the Expert Center for Parkinson and Related Pathologies. Paediatric concerns take the stage in the third module, emphasising early diagnosis and management, guided by guest speaker Professor Freddy Jeanneteau from the Montpellier Genome Institute.
Themes then transition to the interplay of breathing and swallowing, followed by insights into averting long-term dysphagic complications in oncology, with Professor Sam Namou from Belgium discussing photobiomodulation. The programme further addresses patient care amidst multiple disabilities and explores the connections between phonation and swallowing with Professor Antonio Schindler (Italy). Concluding the congress is a collaborative session with the European Geriatric Medicine Society, bringing a dynamic close to this interdisciplinary gathering.
