Live - Keynote Presentation from Dr. Susan Hastings

🌟 Key Takeaways from Susan’s Talk

• Clinical promise with caution: Neuromodulation is one of the most exciting frontiers for children with cerebral palsy and spina bifida but in pediatrics it remains largely experimental.
• Not all stimulation is the same: Susan clarified terminology and distinctions between approaches (e.g., TSN vs. NISE/NISTEM), highlighting differences and the importance of pairing stimulation with functional activity.
• Risks are real: Potential adverse effects include seizures, harm from misapplication, and unknown long-term impacts. Careful protocols and ongoing monitoring are essential.
• Evidence over anecdotes: Families and clinicians are encouraged to seek objective, long-term outcome data before adopting new interventions. Anecdotal successes are encouraging but not enough to support potentially risky internventions.
• Debate is healthy: Susan’s exchange with colleague Gerti Motavalli underscored that professional disagreement isn’t a setback, it’s a vital part of refining safe, effective protocols. Transparency, collaboration, and peer-reviewed research must lead the way. More info on this to follow
• Guidance for therapists and families: Stay skeptical of strong claims without data, ask hard questions, and commit to contributing to the evidence base.

💡 The core message: Spinal neuromodulation is full of potential but advancing it responsibly requires rigorous research, transparency, and collaboration.