For many people with dystonia or other health issues, a driver’s license is more than just a piece of paper. It represents freedom. It allows people to go to work, visit doctors, buy groceries, and see friends. This is especially important in the countryside where there are few buses or trains. Without a car, life…
Innovation in Dialogue: Dystonia Europe at the O2I Summit in Barcelona
From January 14 to 16, 2026, Dystonia Europe board member Salvatore attended the ‘Originator to Innovator’ (O2I) Summit by Medtronic in Barcelona. The event, titled ‘50 Years of Innovation,’ focused on the future of neuromodulation and brain care. The Patient Voice as a Bridge to Research One of the main goals for Salvatore was to…
Toxins 2026 in Madrid
The 8th International Toxins Congress was held in Madrid in mid January. Over 1600 participants from 84 countries joined. The opening session focused on Musician’s dystonia. Three patients shared their stories and also performed. The highlight of the session was when Dr. Anna Castagna on flute performed together with her patient Roberto on guitar. The…
EAN Education Committee Meeting in Vienna
On behalf of the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) and neurological patients, Dystonia Europe’s Executive Director, Monika Benson, attended the annual EAN Big Education meeting in Vienna last February. The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) is the professional association for neurologists in Europe with about 45,000 members, and there are another 40,000 not belonging…
Physiotherapists Train to Improve Dystonia Care
A specialised physiotherapy course focusing on dystonia recently brought twenty physiotherapists to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (Queen Square) in London. Hosted by physiotherapist Hanna Louissant and organised by Dystonia Europe, the workshop aimed to strengthen knowledge of physiotherapy as part of dystonia treatment. Opening the course, Monika Benson emphasised the long-term goal of improving treatment outcomes and quality of life…
