Gaucher disease is the result of a deficiency of a lysosomal enzyme, glucocerebrosidase, which causes the accumulation of its substrate, glucosylceramide, in macrophages. Bone involvement, (hepato)splenomegaly, bleeding diathesis, thrombocytopenia, increased ferritin levels, and immunoglobulin abnormalities, such as monoclonal gammopathy or hypergammaglobulinemia, are all clinical or biological signs that should prompt a diagnosis of Gaucher disease. Type 1, the most common form, is responsible for visceral damage, while Types 2 and 3 are responsible for neurological disorders. The diagnosis, which is facilitated by using algorithms, is based on the confirmation of the enzyme deficiency and search for the causal mutation. Treatment involves the intravenous administration of the deficient enzyme, such as miglucerase, velaglucerase, or taliglucerase) or the use of oral molecules that inhibit the biosynthesis of glycosylceramide like miglustat or eliglustat.

Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms often report a decrease in quality of life, with a diminished self-confidence leading to social isolation and depression. Their symptoms are related to the dysfunction of the lower urinary tract, including the detrusor or urinary sphincter, and concern the storage, emptying phase, or both.

The year 2019 has been characterized by scientific findings demonstrating the central effect of botulinum toxin after its injection in the detrusor of patients suffering from overactive bladder. New therapeutic targets have also been evaluated. The past year has emphasized the relevant role of psychological comorbidities in non-obstructive voiding disorders, and our treatment armamentarium has thus been improved. Finally, several multidisciplinary guidelines concerning the workout and treatment of nocturia have been established.

Cochlear implants have been used for over 40 years for deeply deaf children and adults. In Belgium, their significant cost (approximately 20,000 €) is borne by INAMI: bilaterally up to 12 years and unilaterally beyond. Since December 1, 2019, patients with severe deafness; i.e., hearing thresholds of 70dB, have also been permitted to benefit from an implant.

The year 2019 has seen a series of relevant advances in the diagnosis and management of neurological diseases. This edition offers a review of current developments, placing them in their clinical context. As the field is wide, only certain aspects will be presented in more detail, depending on their clinical significance or the involvement of our neurologist team at UCLouvain in the research in question. Thus, we will reflect on the latest guidelines in terms of diagnosis and treatment of migraine, risk of sudden death in epileptic patients, and diagnosis of inflammatory neuropathy. These diagnoses are often not established, whereas effective treatments are available. Some of our young clinical fellow researchers will share current research lines on multiple sclerosis imaging, early Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, and ultrasound as a means of diagnosing peripheral neuropathies.