Simply Stated: What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic neuromuscular disease characterized by muscle weakness that worsens after activity and improves after rest. MG is caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, interrupting the connection between nerves and muscles (the neuromuscular junction). MG can occur at any age and affects . . .

Read More

Simply Stated: What Is Neuromuscular Disease?

Neuromuscular disease refers to a diverse group of rare conditions that affect some part of the neuromuscular system, such as: Muscles Nerves in the peripheral nervous system (arms and legs) Nerves in the central nervous system (spinal cord) The neuromuscular junction, where nerves and muscles meet Neuromuscular diseases generally cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and other . . .

Read More

Eledon Announces Positive Topline Results from a Phase 2a Study of Tegoprubart to Treat ALS

On May 31, Eledon announced positive topline results from its Phase 2a clinical trial of the investigational therapy tegoprubart (formerly AT-1501) for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The primary endpoints of the study, assessment of safety and tolerability, demonstrated an encouraging safety profile that supports further investigation. Secondary endpoints showed that the drug engaged . . .

Read More

Simply Stated: What is Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA)?

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited neuromuscular disease that primarily impacts the nervous system and heart and affects about one in 50,000 people worldwide. FRDA typically appears in people before the age of 25 years and is characterized by a slow, progressive loss of limb coordination (ataxia) and effects on speech and swallowing. While there . . .

Read More

Research Study Alert: Track-ALS Study of Home-Based Digital Monitoring to Assess ALS Progression

Researchers at the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) and Emory University are seeking adults living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to participate in the Track-ALS research study to assess whether measurements collected at home, using digital applications, are dependable and can help with tracking disease progression. Study participants will be asked to perform various at-home tests at . . .

Read More

Brain-Computer Interface Technology Could Improve Life for Millions

It’s been half a century since University of California, Los Angeles, computer science professor Jacques Vidal coined the term “brain-computer interface” (BCI) and produced the first peer-reviewed papers on the idea of interpreting brain signals with a computer. Today, BCI offers huge potential to improve the lives of millions of people around the world, including . . .

Read More

Durable Medical Equipment Support through MDA

Since MDA’s founding in 1950, families have come to know MDA as a critical resource to help locate support and resources. Assistance obtaining durable medical equipment is one of the primary needs that our families encounter. MDA understands that navigating insurance and equipment needs can be difficult, and we are here to help. MDA’s National . . .

Read More

Online Therapy and Support Groups Are Good for Your Mental Health

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, much of the healthcare system shifted from primarily face-to-face visits to a wider acceptance of telehealth, or virtual appointments using computers, tablets, or smartphones. Health insurers quickly pivoted to covering virtual visits, as the pandemic required social distancing. And while the pandemic will, eventually, wind down, healthcare experts believe greater . . .

Read More

What You Need to Know About Finding and Visiting an MDA Care Center

Located at more than 150 of the top healthcare institutions across the United States, MDA Care Centers serve as the nexus for expert clinical care and medical research. Our Care Center Network offers tens of thousands of appointments each year for individuals living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and other neuromuscular diseases. These appointments provide individuals . . .

Read More