Contacts:
Sarah Goodwin
Kathi Ovnic
Holly Korschun

March 19, 1999

EMORY NEUROLOGIST TO DISCUSS 'DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTS OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHIES' AT APRIL 14 SUPPORT GROUP

CALENDAR LISTING

Emory University neurologist Jonathan D. Glass, M.D., will discuss "Diagnosis and Treatments of Peripheral Neuropathies" at the Wednesday, April 14 meeting of the Atlanta Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group.

The group will meet from 2-4 p.m. at St. Joseph Hospital's Wellness Center, 5665 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. Support group contact is Mary Lynch, 770/ 993-4374.

Peripheral neuropathy can occur in isolation or as a complicating feature of a more generalized disease such as diabetes. The damage is usually directed at nerves (neuropathy) located in the outermost regions of the body (the peripheral nervous system), farthest from the control centers of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).

Initial symptoms may be of tingling or pain in the toes, with gradual progression of symptoms to the feet, legs and even hands. Severe cases can cause pain, numbness and weakness. Peripheral neuropathies are common disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. Ongoing research has provided new therapies for some peripheral neuropathies, although many remain resistant to treatment. New data from laboratory experimentation is generating novel approaches for treating people with these disorders.

Dr. Glass is associate professor in the departments of neurology and pathology at the Emory University School of Medicine.

For more general information on The Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center, call Health Sciences Communication's Office at 404-727-5686, or send e-mail to hsnews@emory.edu.