6th ISCoS International Regional Symposium · Tunis 2026

Preliminary Scientific Programme

4–5 December 2026 · Golden Tulip El Mechtel, Tunis. In association with MENASCIN and SOTUMER.

4–5 December 2026

Scientific exchange in Tunis

Explore the two-day preliminary scientific programme, including plenary sessions, parallel workshops, specialist symposia, scientific presentations and professional networking.

Organised in association with MENASCIN — Middle East and North Africa Spinal Cord Injury Network — and SOTUMER — Tunisian Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.

Preliminary programme · Version of 10 November 2026. Subject to change. Unconfirmed details are marked TBC where specified in the programme.

Friday 4 DecemberWorkshops 1–4 · Plenaries 1–4 · Industry symposia · MENASCIN Assembly

Saturday 5 DecemberWorkshops 5–8 · Plenaries 5–7 · Parallel symposia · Closing

Day One

Friday 4 December 2026

07:3008:30

Break

Registration & welcome coffee

08:3009:20

Parallel workshops

Concurrent sessions

Workshop 1 · CORAL

ISNCSCI / AIS: International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury

Faculty: Dr Rami Al Ahmar (UAE);Dr Wail Ahmed (UK); Dr Leila Ghidaoui (TN); Dr Ronald Reeves (USA)

Workshop 2 · AMBER

Evidence-Based Neuro-Urological Management after Spinal Cord Injury: Intermittent Catheterisation and Bladder Care

Faculty: Dr Raquel Neeves (RN/KSA);Dr Anas Saleh (KSA); Mrs Alison Lamb (RN/UK); Mr Firas Sarhan (RN/UK)

Workshop 3 · CRYSTAL

Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks and Botulinum Toxin Injections for Upper-Limb Spasticity Management

Faculty: Dr Fatma Zohra Ben Salah (TN)

Dr Srinivasa Chakravarty Budithi(UK); Dr Wafa Elleuch (TN; Dr Khaled Maaref (TN)

Workshop 4: RUBY

Wheelchair Prescription: From Assessment to Appropriate Selection

Faculty: Dr Catherine Dziri (TN); Mr Moez Boulila

(OT/TN)

09:3011:00

Plenary Session 1

Building Comprehensive Spinal Cord Injury Care: From Evidence to Practice

Plenary Session 1 · Plenary Hall: CRYSTAL

Chairs: Dr Abderrazak Hajjioui (Morocco), Dr Zouhir Boukara (ALG), Dr Amina Gargouri (TN), Dr Mounir Kefi (TN) Rapporteur: Dr Emna Toulgui (TN)

09:30–09:55

The Global Burden of Spinal Cord Injury: Current Challenges and Future DirectionsDr James Middleton (Australia)

09:55–10:20

International Standards of Spinal Cord Injury Care: From Evidence to Clinical PracticeDr Ram Hariharan (UK)

10:20–10:45

SCI and 360 degree Research and Policy ImplementationDr Jerome Bickenbach (SWZ)

10:45–11:00

Discussion

11:0011:30

Break

Networking coffee break & exhibition

11:3012:45

Plenary Session 2

Acute Spinal Cord Injury & Spine Surgery

Plenary Session 2 · Plenary Hall: CRYSTAL

Chairs: Dr Osman Aheed (UK), Dr Rami Al Ahmar (UAE), Dr Karim Bouattour (TN), Dr Mehdi Darmoul (TN), Rapporteur: Dr Hajer Attia (TN)

11:30–11:50

Imaging and Neurological Classification of Acute Spinal Cord InjuryDr Mouna Bouaziz (TN)

11:50–12:10

Contemporary Surgical Strategies in Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: From Decompression to NeuroprotectionDr Anas Ali Dyab (Germany)

12:10–12:30

Acute Spinal Cord Injury ManagementMr Firas Sarhan (UK)

12:30–12:45

Discussion

12:4513:30

Ceremony / Assembly / Social

Official Opening Ceremony

Welcome addresses · Official ceremony · Official group photograph (all participants)

13:3014:30

Break

Lunch

14:3015:45

Plenary Session 3

Rehabilitation & Functional Recovery

Plenary Session 3 · Plenary Hall: CRYSTAL

Chairs: Dr Fatma Zohra Ben Salah (TN), Dr Srinivasa Chakravarty Budithi(UK), Dr Mouna Ounaies (TN) ,Rapporteur: Dr Emna Bahlouli (TN)

14:30–14:50

Early Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Goal-Oriented Rehabilitation PlanningDr Sana Salah (TN)

14:50–15:10

Autonomic and Cardiovascular Dysfunction following Spinal Cord InjuryDr Adel Shahrani (KSA)

15:10–15:30

Upper Limb Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord InjuryDr Sonia Lebib (TN)

15:30–15:45

Discussion

15:4516:00

Break

Networking coffee break & exhibition

16:0017:35

Plenary Session 4

Sexual & Reproductive Health & Active Living

Plenary Session 4 · Plenary Hall: CRYSTAL

Chairs: Dr Mohamed Chebil (TN), Dr Yassine Binnous (TN), Dr Mechaal Mourali (TN), Dr Sonia Jemni (TN) Rapporteur: Dr FerdawesBlel(TN)

16:00–16:20

Sexual Function, Intimacy and Relationships after Spinal Cord InjuryDr Mohamed Ali Bedoui (TN)

16:20–16:40

Fertility and Assisted Reproductive Technologies after Spinal Cord InjuryDr Amine Hermi (TN)

16:40–17:10

Pregnancy, Childbirth and Parenthood after Spinal Cord InjuryDr Cyrine Belghith (TN)

17:10–17:25

Ethical Challenges in Spinal Cord Injury Care in Complex and Resource-Limited SettingsDr Majed Zemni (TN)

17:25–17:35

Discussion

17:3518:30

Industry satellite symposia (parallel)

Concurrent sessions

Industry Satellite Symposium I: Amber ·

Advances in Spine Surgery and Instrumentation

Supported by: Toucomex (TBC)

Programme: Challenging Clinical Cases: Surgical Decision-Making and Management — Interactive Case Discussion

Speakers: Dr Khaled Hadhri (TN)

Dr Samir Daghfous (TN)

Chair: Dr Mohamed Ben Salah (TN)

Rapporteur: DrAnouar Abdallah (TN)

Industry Satellite Symposium II: CORAL

Advances and innovations in neurological bladder

Supported by: Wellspect

Programme:

Advances in physiopathology

Assessment

Management

Speakers: TBC

Chair: Dr Zeineb Masmoudi (TN)

Rapporteur: Dr Asma Nouira (TN)

Industry Satellite Symposium III: Crystal

IUltra-sound guided nerve blocks for spasticity management in SCI

Supported By: IPSEN

Chair: Dr MH Elleuch (TN)

Speaker: Dr Sameh Ghroubi (TN)

Indications and Clinical Applications

Ultrasound-Guided Techniques

Live Demonstration

Discussion

Rapporteur: Dr Farah Ellouze (TN)ustry Satellite Symposium II

18:4519:45

Ceremony / Assembly / Social

MENASCIN General Assembly

Restricted to MENASCIN members and invited observers Dr Rami Al Ahmar (UAE)

21:00

Ceremony / Assembly / Social

Networking Evening

Venue: Dr Fatma Zohra Ben Salah (TN)- Dr Abderrazek Hajjioui (Morocco)

Day Two

Saturday 5 December 2026

08:3009:20

Parallel workshops

Concurrent sessions

Workshop 5 · RUBY

Pressure Injury Prevention and Management

Faculty: Dr Rami Ben Salah (TN); Dr Ines Aloulou (TN); Dr Raquel Neeves (RN/KSA)

Workshop 6 · AMBER

Bowel Management and Stoma Care

Faculty: Dr Sami Bouchoucha (TN); Dr Houssine Magherbi (TN); Dr Amine Sebei (TN); Mrs Alison Lamb (RN/UK)

Workshop 7 · CRYSTAL

Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks and Botulinum Toxin Injections for Lower-Limb Spasticity Management

Faculty:); Dr Srinivasa Chakravarty Budithi (UK); Dr Lilia Louiza Maouche (ALG), Dr Hanane Moalla (TN)

Workshop 8 · CORAL

Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks and Botulinum Toxin Injections for Upper-Limb Spasticity Management

Faculty: Dr Zohra Ben Salah (TN); Dr Houda Migaou (TN)

09:3011:00

Plenary Session 5

Lifelong Care and Management of Spinal Cord Injury: From Healthy Ageing to Conflict Settings

Plenary Session 5 · Plenary Hall : CRYSTAL

Chairs: Dr Jerome Bickenbach (SWZ),Dr Khaled Layadi (ALG),Dr Anas Saleh (KSA), Dr Zohra Ben Salah (TN)Rapporteur: Dr Atika Mallek (TN)

09:30–09:50

Recent advances in spinal cord injury: Current Evidence and Future PerspectivesDr Osman Aheed (UK)

09:50–10:10

Healthy Ageing with Spinal Cord Injury: Lifelong Medical Follow-up and Prevention of Late ComplicationsDr Wail Ahmed (UK)

10:10–10:30

Management of Spinal Cord Injury in Times of War and ConflictDr Abderrazak Hajjioui (Morocco)

10:30–10:50

MENASCIN: Building a Culturally Responsive SCI Network for the Middle East and North AfricaDr Rami Al Ahmar (UAE)

10:50–11:00

Discussion

11:0011:30

Break

Networking coffee break & exhibition

11:3012:30

Parallel symposia

Concurrent sessions

Symposium I · CORAL

Neuropathic Pain Management after Spinal Cord Injury

Chair: Dr Rim Maaoui (TN)

Management of Neuropathic Pain: The Moroccan Experience — Dr Abderrazak Hajjioui (Morocco)

Algerian Guidelines for Neuropathic Pain Management. Dr Lilia Louiza (Algeria)- Dr Zouheir Boukara (Algeria)

Tunisian Guidelines of chronic pain. Dr Najla Mouhli (TN) Dr Rim Maaoui (TN)

Discussion

Rapporteur: Dr Sonia Daghrir (TN)

Symposium II · Amber

Paediatric Spinal Cord Injury and Congenital Spinal Disorders: From Childhood to Adulthood

Chair: Dr Imen Miri TN)

Paediatric Spinal Cord Injury, Spina Bifida and Congenital Spinal Disorders: Dr Wassiaa Kessomtini, Dr Ferdaoues Blel (TN)

Family-Centred Rehabilitation: Supporting the Child and FamilyDr Sahbi Elmtawa (TN)

Growing Up with Paraplegia: Challenges of the Transition to Adult Care in PRM. Dr Khaled Layadi (Algeria)

Discussion

Rapporteur: Dr Abdelmonem Yahia (TUN)

INDUSTRY SATELLITE SYMPOSIUMIII- CRYSTAL

Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks for Pain Management in SCI

Chair: Dr Leila Ghidaoui (TN)

Supported By: General Electric

Speaker: Dr Sameh Ghroubi (TN)

Indications and Clinical Applications

Ultrasound-Guided Techniques

Live Demonstration

Discussion

Rapporteur: Dr Farah Ellouze (TN)

Industry symposium IV: RubY

Beyond Bowel Management: Personalized and Innovative Care After Spinal Cord Injury (TBC)

Chair:

Supported by: Wellspect

Speaker:

Rapporteur:

12:3014:30

Break

Lunch

14:3015:45

Plenary Session 6

Management of Spasticity in Spinal Cord Injury

Plenary Session 6 · Plenary Hall: CRYSTAL

Chairs: Dr Catherine Dziri (TN), Dr Adel Shahrani (KSA), Dr Wassiaa Kessomtini (TN),Dr Rim Maaoui (TN),Rapporteur: Dr Mariem Gaddour (TN)

14:30–14:50

New advances on physiopathology of spasticity in SCIDr Anis Jellad (TN)

14:50–15:10

Clinical Challenges and Comprehensive Management Intrathecal baclofen therapy in SCI.Dr Anas Saleh (KSA)

15:10–15:35

Non pharmalogical treatment of spasticity in SCI.Dr Ines Loubiri (TN)

15:35–15:45

Discussion

15:4516:00

Break

Networking coffee break & exhibition

16:0017:30

Plenary Session 7

From Evidence to Action: SCI Research and the InSCI Survey in the MENA Region

Plenary Session 7 · Plenary Hall: CRYSTAL

Lessons from the 2017–2019 and 2022–2024 Survey Waves and Regional Readiness Towards 2028

Moderators: DrAli Jamous; Dr James Middleton (Australia); Dr Abderrazak Hajjioui (Morocco); Dr Imen Miri (TN))Rapporteur: Dr Najla Mouhli(TN)

Opening — time and presentation not specified in source

16:00–16:05

Welcome and session objectivesA. Hajjioui / I. Miri

International overview — time and presentation not specified in source

16:05–16:10

Learning Health Systems and InSCI: Translating Evidence into SCI CareJ. Middleton

National contributions — countries with InSCI experience — time and presentation not specified in source

16:10–16:15

Morocco: InSCI Findings and Implications for SCI CareA. Hajjioui

16:15–16:20

Jordan: InSCI Implementation and Research PrioritiesR. Al Ahmar

National contributions — evidence, gaps and readiness — time and presentation not specified in source

16:20–16:25

Tunisia: SCI Research Priorities and InSCI ReadinessF.Z Ben Salah / I. Miri

16:25–16:30

Algeria: SCI Research Capacity and CollaborationLilia Louiza Maouche

16:30–16:35

Sudan: SCI Research in Humanitarian and Resource-Constrained SettingsS.Hassan

16:35–16:40

Egypt: Evidence Gaps and Collaboration OpportunitiesS. Mahran (TBC)

16:40–16:45

Saudi Arabia: SCI Research Capacity and OpportunitiesA. Saleh/A.Shahrani

16:45–16:50

United Arab Emirates: SCI Research PrioritiesY.Nuaimi

16:50–16:55

Kuwait: SCI Research PrioritiesS. AL Kandari (TBC)

16:55–17:00

Qatar: SCI Research and CollaborationFary Khan

17:00- 17:05

Palestine: SCI Research and CollaborationFiras Sarhan

Lybia (TBC) — time and presentation not specified in source

Dialogue and conclusions — time and presentation not specified in source

17:05–17:25

Moderated regional dialogue: From Evidence to ActionAll speakers and moderators

17:25–17:30

Conclusions and agreed next stepsModerators / rapporteur

17:3018:00

Ceremony

Closing Ceremony

Key highlights and take-home messages from each session, presented by the session rapporteurs · Closing remarks from the Organising Committee Next Steps

Join the scientific exchange in Tunis

6th ISCoS International Regional Symposium · 4–5 December 2026 · Golden Tulip El Mechtel, Tunis. Programme subject to change.