ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease

You want clarity and accuracy. So do we. The neurological and physical symptoms of ALS are similar to the symptoms of other conditions, which means we'll work to diagnose your condition by ruling out other disorders like HIV or polio. To give you the most-accurate diagnosis, we’ll take a proactive, multidisciplinary approach. After discussing your symptoms and medical history, we’ll use a combination of comprehensive tests that can include:

• Blood and Urine Tests
• Electromyograms (EMG)
• MRIs
• Muscle Biopsies
• Nerve Conduction Tests
• Spinal Taps

Sudden strange symptoms like slurred speech or unexpected muscle weakness can make anyone concerned. But understanding what you’re up against can provide you with the clarity and knowledge you need to move forward. ALS, often called Lou Gehrig’s disease for the famous baseball player who shared this disorder, causes the nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord to degenerate. Your progression might be very different than another person’s. ALS symptoms may include:

• Difficulty Breathing, Speaking, Swallowing
• Fatigue of Arms and Legs
• Muscle Cramps or Twitches
• Muscle Weakness and Loss of Motor Functions
• Progressive Paralysis
• Slurred Speech
• Uncontrollable Laughing or Crying

ALS may be a disorder of the body, but its symptoms can impact your mind and spirit as well. Have hope. Our network offers multidisciplinary, whole-person care, which means that we're here to provide care that not only helps ease your physical ALS symptoms, but that eases your mind and ministers to your spirit as well. Though ALS is incurable, we have ALS treatments that can help slow the progression of symptoms, prevent complications, and improve your quality of life, using a combination of solutions that includes:

• Assistive Devices for Standing, Breathing, and Eating
• Medications to Relieve Symptoms, Such As Muscle Cramps, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, and Depression
• Mental-Health Care and Support
• Nutritional Support
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech Therapy

We know that an ALS diagnosis can make you and your family feel isolated. Know that you're not alone. Our compassionate team members will work with you directly and help find a breadth of ALS resources and support groups to give you continued hope and faith.