ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
Augusta University Health’s ALS Clinic is one of 34 clinics certified by the ALS Association to offer diagnostics, treatments
and support to patients who suffer from this neuromuscular disorder.
ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
Augusta University Health’s ALS Clinic is one of 34 clinics certified by the ALS Association to offer diagnostics, treatments
and support to patients who suffer from this neuromuscular disorder.
About
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neuromuscular disease that attacks, and eventually kills, the nerve
cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. ALS inhibits all voluntary muscle
action, leaving individuals paralyzed while mental faculties and senses remain unaffected.
Certification
ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence
The ALS Association (ALSA) recognizes our ALS Center as a Center of Excellence, confirming
that it meets the highest levels of established national standards of care in the
management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Certification is based on established
requirements of the program, professionals’ skill sets, people living with ALS served,
active involvement in ALS-related research, relationships with local Chapters, and
access to care. The ALS Association Georgia Chapter
Why Choose Us
If you, or someone you love, has ALS, you want expert care that focuses on treating
and managing this complex neurodegenerative disease. The Augusta University ALS Clinic provides comprehensive, coordinated Patient- and Family-Centered Care, offering:
- Multidisciplinary care: Easy access to ALS physician experts providing highly specialized neurological care
that can help slow disease progression.
- A Certified ALS Treatment Center: AU Health has gone through a rigorous certification process to be designated as an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence by the ALS
Association (ALSA).
- Nurse case managers: Who are ready to coordinate care and address any concerns patients and their families
might have.
- Trouble-free appointments: Patients see their ALS physicians and other caregivers on the same day, in the same
room. Patients and caregivers stay in the comfort of private treatment rooms while
specialists address the unique concerns of ALS.
- Patient support: We offer physical, occupational, respiratory and speech therapy by licensed professionals,
registered dietitians to address nutritional needs, an ALS support group for patients
and family members, and medical social workers who guide patients to additional resources.
- Access to research and clinical trials: Patients have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge treatment trials for
ALS.
ALS Services
Our clinic provides patients with specialized ALS care with access to:
- Advanced diagnostic testing: Including electromyograms to record the electrical activities of muscles, nerve conduction
studies, MRIs, spinal taps and blood and urine tests
- Medications: to help slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms.
- Medical equipment: A representative of the ALS Association helps patients and their families access durable medical equipment and other services.
- Patient communication devices: An alternative, or augmentative, communications specialist explains alternative
communications devices and trains patients to use this equipment.
