Culicchia Neurological Physician Andrea Toomer, M.D., regularly collaborates with doctors and researchers from around the country on spasticity and intrathecal baclofen therapies. Recently, her work took her to Paris to present to the World Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.
Dr. Toomer spoke on dosing and long term management of intrathecal baclofen, a therapy she frequently relies upon to bring relief to patients suffering from spasticity, a condition that causes extreme muscle tightness often due to brain or spine injury. Dr. Toomer spoke to fellow physicians about the use of the complex dosing regimen and advanced programming of intrathecal baclofen pumps, which deliver a constant dose of medication to loosen tight muscles.
“At this particular conference I was able to meet with rehab physicians from around the world, which was a unique and educational experience,” Dr. Toomer said upon her return to New Orleans. “At medical conferences, I am able to function as both a student and a teacher. I can learn about treatment options from other physicians and discuss how these treatments can benefit our patients. I am able to learn about the newest and most advanced technologies available for rehab patients. I am also very fortunate to be able to teach other physicians to develop specificity practices the way we have at Culicchia Neurological Clinic.”
Dr. Toomer was part of a team of physicians from the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, TIRR in Houston and Moss Rehabilitation in Philadelphia. The group has frequently collaborated for education on a national level and this was their first international presentation.
