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Dr. Emma CiafaloniNeuromuscular Disease Center

Emma Ciafaloni, M.D.

585-275-2541
585-275-4568

Current Titles and Roles

Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Electromyography Laboratory, and the Neuromuscular Disease Center

Degrees, Certifications, and Licenses

  • B.A., Liceo Classico A. Manzoni, Milan, Italy, 1983
  • M.D., Universita’ Statale degli Studi of Milan, Italy, 1989
  • Residency, Neurology, University of Milan, Italy, 1989-1993
  • Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Laboratory of Neuromuscular Diseases, Columbia University, New York, 1992
  • Residency, Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, 1995
  • Internship, Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 1996
  • Residency, Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, 1998
  • Fellowship, Neuromuscular Diseases and EMG, Duke University Medical Center, 2000

Prior Work History

  • 2000-2002, Director MDA Clinic, Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center
  • 2001-2002, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center
  • 2000-2001, Instructor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center
  • 1992-1994, Associate Researcher, Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center

Clinical Specialties

  • Providing care for adult and pediatric patients with neuromuscular diseases such as Myasthenia Gravis, muscular dystrophies, ALS and myopathies
  • Special interest in caring for women and children with Myasthenia Gravis and muscular dystrophies

Highlights

Professional memberships:

  • American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
  • AAN Neuromuscular Section and the Muscle Study Group (MSG): multi-center group dedicated to the planning and implementation of controlled clinical trials in neuromuscular diseases, member and site investigator since 2000
  • American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Research

Current Grants

  • Mycophenolate Mofetil in Myasthenia Gravis
    • The major goal of this study is to conduct a trial of Mycophenolate Mofetil in a group of subjects with Myasthenia Gravis.
  • Pathophysiology of Hypersomnolence in Myotonic Dystrophy
    • The goal of this study is to better understand the cause of the pathologic and frequently disabling hypersomnolence experienced by many myotonic dystrophy patients.
  • The Course and Outcome of Pregnancy in FSH
    • The goal of this study is to study the course and outcome of pregnancy in FSH in order to improve counseling and management of FSH women during pregnancy
  • Phase III Trial of IGF-1 for ALS
    • The goal of this project is to conduct a trial of IFG-1 in subjects with ALS.
  • Dichlorphenamide vs acetazolamide for periodic paralysis
    • The goals of this multi-center trial are to develop standard treatments for the periodic paralyses, to defend recommendations for long-term treatments, and to provide data for regulatory approval of dichlorphenamide.

Academic Activity

  • Teaching conferences for residents and fellows within the context of the weekly electromyography laboratory conference and the weekly neuromuscular disease conference
  • Teaching conferences for medical students and residents during periods she serves as a general neurology consult and inpatient attending
  • Providing periodic staffing support supervising residents in the general neurology clinic

Comments

I have strong training and interest in the diagnosis, management, and clinical therapeutic trials of patients with Myasthenia Gravis, including children. I am particularly interested in the management of women with Myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophies as well as children with muscular dystrophy.