Clinical Activities
The program consists of specialized weekly clinics focused on the diagnosis and treatment of Myasthenia Gravis, Myopathies, Peripheral Nerve disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The program is closely associated with the Adult Metabolic Diseases Clinic and the ALS Centre at GF Strong. The Vancouver Hospital neurophysiology labs are integrated into the neuromuscular diseases program. More specialized services include the weekly muscle biopsy clinic run by Dr Hannah Briemberg and the monthly Peripheral Nerve Trauma clinic run by Dr Sean Bristol of plastic surgery and Dr Gillian Gibson.
Research Activities
Our research activities include the continued participation in a multinational NIH funded trial assessing the efficacy of thymectomy in the management of Myasthenia Gravis. Dr Mezei has ongoing clinical research projects in mitochondrial diseases. Dr Charles Krieger has had successful grants awarded for the study of bone marrow derived cells as gene delivery vehicles in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Teaching and Educational Activities
The NMDU is active in the training of neurology and rehabilitation residents in clinical neuromuscular disease and neurophysiology under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Mezei. The program holds weekly rounds for the presentation of neurophysiologic topics and clinical cases. The neuropathology department and Dr Briemberg host monthly muscle and peripheral nerve pathology rounds where interesting and rare cases are presented for review. A comprehensive 2 year neuromuscular fellowship has been established. Dr Kristine Chapman is a yearly examiner for the CFNS neurophysiology examination and is currently serving as Vice President of the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists CFNS audit committee.
Participating Divisional Members
- Dr. Briemberg
- Dr. Cashman
- Dr. Chapman
- Dr. Gibson
- Dr. Krieger
- Dr. Mezei
- Dr. Oger