Last month, on 7th November, the Ataxia UK-accredited Sheffield Ataxia Centre hosted an ataxia study day for healthcare professionals at the University of Sheffield, chaired by Consultant Neurologists Professor Marios Hadjivassiliou and Dr Priya Shanmugarajah, and organised by Emma Foster (Specialist Ataxia Nurse).
The national study day was focused on “The Diagnosis and Management of Gluten Sensitivity related Neurological Disorders”. Ataxia UK’s Southwest Specialist Ataxia Nurse, Camilla Notley, attended the day along with over 80 other healthcare professionals from around the country including neurologists, trainee doctors, specialist nurses, allied healthcare professionals and GPs.
The day was filled with fascinating talks from experts in a variety of fields including neurology, gastroenterology, dietetics, neuroscience and neuroradiology. Lectures covered a range of topics including a Coeliac disease update and Q&A, the science behind gluten sensitivity, and the impact that this can have on the brain and nerves, such as causing gluten ataxia. Other talks covered how gluten sensitivity is managed, what really matters to people who are on a gluten-free diet, and how the negative effects of gluten can show up on brain scans.
To better understand the patient experience, attendees also heard from Emma Foster, a Specialist Ataxia Nurse at the Sheffield Ataxia Centre.
Days like the ataxia study day are invaluable for healthcare professionals to come together to share and acquire knowledge and expertise, professionally develop and to be curious and inspired, all with the common aim of striving to deliver excellent patient care.
