May 1, 2002

Breaking the Grip of Neuromuscular Disease

But not for much longer if the SLUCare team fighting neuromuscular disease has anything to say about it. Members are working on all fronts to find ways to relieve pain and suffering caused by diseases that attack nerves, muscles and their junctions. They conduct research into new drug therapies and treatments, and run weekly multidisciplinary clinics that give patients access to the latest in diagnostic and therapeutic practices.

SLUCare physicians, nurses, social workers, pastoral care representatives, physical and occupational therapists and other caregivers operate a full-service ALS clinic to help patients who battle one of the most challenging neuromuscular diseases.

"Our ALS patients and their families benefit in many ways from the focused attention they receive in this monthly clinic," says Joe Armbruster, R.N., Saint Louis University School of Medicine clinical research nurse. "They appreciate the fact that we bring the services they need to one place."

Because Armbruster and his colleagues at the ALS clinic have experience treating this progressive disease, they can anticipate patients' needs and help them prepare for what they face down the road. Armbruster also takes an active role in research by administering studies and collecting data.

Saint Louis University is looking at ways to relieve pain from neuromuscular diseases. Ghazala S. Hayat, MD, a SLUCare neurologist and associate professor of neurology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, is studying whether a medication used to treat seizures can raise the threshold of pain for diabetes who suffer from the tingling, numbness and burning sensation of neuropathy.

Dr. Hayat also is hoping to find help for patients with chronic pain from nerve and muscle damage, as she researches the right amount of new narcotic analgesics to relieve pain and reduce side effects.

Her colleague Florian P. Thomas, M.D., Ph.D., a SLUCare neurologist and associate professor of neurology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, is tackling another piece of the neuromuscular disease puzzle. He is trying to unlock the genetic secrets of inherited neuropathies as he spearheads several international collaborations.

Waging war on neuromuscular disease takes the coordinated effort of medical centers around the world. Because these diseases are relatively rare, no one center can accumulate enough data necessary to identify trends and establish the efficacy of various treatments. Research at Saint Louis University School of Medicine could contribute to breaking the crippling hold of neuromuscular diseases.

SLUCare is the physician practice of Saint Louis University School of Medicine, providing care at more than 100 locations throughout Missouri and Illinois. Doctors can be reached by calling 314.268.5880 or 800.268.5880.