Dr. Payne’s Team Saves Employee. Read more and watch the video

Phoenix Neurological Associates, LTD was just named one of seven international centers of Excellence for Guillan Barre and CIDP. Read more

BITE NITE 2010
Our first fundraiser took place on June 5, 2010 at Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center. PNA Center for Neurological Research teamed up with the ALS Association Arizona Chapter to co-host a night dedicated to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). BITE NITE consisted of 5 top Valley Restaurants, 5th and Wine, Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila, Oregano's Pizza Bistro and Va Bene who served up samplers of their best dishes, with great entertainment by our favorite local band Dearspeak, with silent and live auctions. The night was an absolute blast and a success. People enjoyed great food while enjoying each other’s company for a night that was dedicated to funding ALS research. Thank you for everyone who truly made this night a success. Due to the positive praise and feedback, BITE NITE will be an annual event, so if you weren’t able to attend, we look forward to seeing you there next year! Thanks again for your support, dedication and contributions, we couldn’t have made this night possible without you.

Check out photos from BITE NITE here.

IVIG (IntraVenous ImmunoGlobulin)

What is IVIG?
IVIG, also called gamma globulin or antibodies, is a highly purified blood product preparation that is derived from large pools of plasma donors. Plasma from approximately 1,000 to 10,000 persons is present in each unit or “lot” of IVIG. While this is a blood product, IVIG available in the United States, is purified and carefully screened to be free of all known transmissible diseases, including HIV, hepatitis, malaria, syphilis and many, many others. This medication is used to treat a variety of neurological and neuromuscular autoimmune disorders that affect the central nervous system, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction and muscles.

The Benefits of IVIG:
The underlying problem in all autoimmune diseases is often similar. One part of your immune system has decided to attack part of your body, instead of defending your body from bacteria and viruses. While the cause of this damage is unknown, IVIG contains antibodies which are believed to block this attack.

Some of the most common neurological autoimmune diseases treated with IVIG in the PNA Infusion Center include: Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP); Multiple Sclerosis (MS); Myasthenia Gravis (MG); Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN); Multifocal Acquired Sensory and Motor Neuropathy (MADSAM); Dermatomyositis, and Polymyositis.

What You Need to Know Before Starting IVIG

IVIG Side Effects:
It is fairly common for patients to experience headache (which can be mild to severe), stiff neck, and fever during or shortly after an infusion. This is called aseptic meningitis syndrome. These symptoms are manageable and can be minimized or prevented by infusing IVIG very slowly. Patients may often feel fatigued or flu type symptoms for a day or two after their infusion.
Variation in blood pressure, shortness of breath, chills, fever, rashes and any allergic reactions must be closely monitored during the infusions. Discuss your questions about side effects or possible allergic reactions with your physician and your infusion nurse.

Dosing and Length of Infusion:
The length of time it takes for an IVIG infusion will vary for each person. On average, it is between 4 to 6 hours. The specific dose ordered by your physician, in addition to your own tolerance to the medication, will determine your length of stay at the Infusion Center.

Usually an IVIG dose of 2 GMs/kg is divided into 2 doses which would be infused over 2 days. This same dose may be given on alternate days or even divided over 5 days if side effects become a problem. Treatment is usually repeated every 4 to 6 weeks.