Summary: Erythromelalgia (or EM) is rare and can be a devastating condition. It only affects 200-500 people in North America and a few thousand worldwide. It’s a disorder of the nerves and tiny blood vessels of the body. EM primarily affects adults, but young children have been reported to have the genetic form of this condition. It typically affects the feet or hands, or both and causes visible redness, as well as sensations of intense heat and burning pain. Some have described this condition as having their “nerves on fire” or feeling like they’re “burning alive”. We’ll hear Diana Zak and Kate Conklin share their personal and quite amazing experiences of overcoming EM. Dr. Stephen Waxman, Director of Yale University’s Center of Neuroscience and Regeneration Research then provides an insightful discussion about how the genetic revolution promises to offer unique treatments for this condition.
