Knowledge equals improved quality of life for patients

Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital hosts myasthenia gravis conference

Over 2,000 Canadians can't take the ability to move for granted; the reason is an autoimmune disorder, myasthenia gravis (MG). MG attacks the body's own intricate immune system, leaving many people weak to the point where simple tasks like walking in the park, climbing stairs and even rising from a chair become difficult. For some sufferers, even holding their eyes open can be a challenge.

Although MG is the most widely studied autoimmune disease, medical science is yet to fully understand why it strikes relatively healthy people in the prime of their life. There is hope, however — MG is no longer a fatal disease. Thanks to new advances in treatment, most patients can live to a "ripe old age." Patients must assume responsibility for daily self-management, in order to optimize their abilities and lead happy, fulfilling lives.

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Neuro-Patient Resource Centre, in collaboration with Muscular Dystrophy Canada, is sponsoring an afternoon MG Conference, designed to give patients and families all the latest information on the disease, including new treatments, recent research advances and issues of concern to patients and families.

The conference will take place April 16, in the Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, from 1:00 until 4:00 pm. Admission is free. Parking is available.

Dr. Daniel Gendron — Director of the EMG Laboratory at the Montreal Neurological Hospital of the MUHC and assistant professor of neurology at McGill University — will speak about the disorder. Two long-time MG patients will present their personal experiences. There will also be a question and answer session, as well as time for attendees to meet and chat informally.