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1. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative
disease of the motor system, involving upper and lower motor neurons.
Current research projects conducted at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
in this field include:
a. development of a new and more sensitive imaging technique for early
identification of upper motor neuron involvement by use of high resolution
MRI
b. genetic aspects of the disease in sporadic and familial cases
(modulating genetic factors, e.g. apolipoprotein E) and possibly confusing
genes (e.g. Hexosaminidase A)
c. a multi-national survey of quality of life perception in patients with
advanced disease and its significance in end-of-life decisions in ALS
d. effect of modulating therapies (physical therapy, nutritional
supplements) on the progression of disease
e. effect of exogenic factors on the age of onset and progression of
disease in a transgenic mouse model of ALS
f. effect of pharmacologic compounds with a possible therapeutic effect
on a transgenic mouse model of ALS.
2. Electromyography and clinical neurophysiology
Our laboratory performs routinely a wide variety of electrodiagnostic
procedures, including: nerve conduction studies, muscle electromyography,
blink reflex studies, single fiber EMG, visual and somatosensory evoked
potentials. Research projects currently at work include:
a. sequential studies of evoked potentials in patients with multiple
sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders affecting the central nervous
system
b. development of standardized techniques for examination of
unfrequently tested nerves in humans
c. development of techniques for examination of conduction block in
laboratory animals
d. use of electrophysiologic techniques in the diagnosis of movement
disorders, especially in the differentiation between idiopathic Parkinson’s
disease and mutiple system atrophy
e. quantitative measurements of muscle strength (maximum voluntary
isometric contraction) in the diagnosis and follow-up of diseases resulting
in muscular weakness
f. quantitative evaluation of muscle fatigue in neurological disorders and
influence of different physical and pharmacological factors on muscle
fatigue.