Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) occurs when the muscles of the body weaken and eventually waste away entirely. More men than women are affected. While a cure is not yet available for this serious, adult-onset disorder, options are available to improve patients' quality of life.
Under the directorship of esteemed clinician and researcher Abirami Muthukumaran, MD, Cedars-Sinai's Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Program offers comprehensive care for ALS patients, including diagnosis, interventions, acute and long-term management, rehabilitation, long-term care and palliative care.
The ALS Program at Cedars-Sinai has partnered with the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the ALS Association to pool resources and initiate research activities.
Each patient is carefully evaluated and monitored in order to provide appropriate services as they become necessary. Because ALS affects major functions of the body, patient care at Cedars-Sinai is coordinated through professionals from multiple medical disciplines. These skilled specialists work together as a team to integrate management of the disease and keep the patient as comfortable as possible. Key team members include:
- A board-certified neurologist
- A Registered Nurse/specialist in ALS management
- An ALS Association patient care representative
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Nutrition counseling
- Speech-language pathology
- Social services for patients, caregivers and families
- Pulmonary care
- Respiratory therapy
- Palliative care
- Other services as appropriate
In addition to offering the most advanced care for patients, specialists at the ALS Program, in conjunction with the ALS Association, have taken a leadership role in conducting ongoing research and clinical trials. Their efforts and dedication may one day offer clues to the cause of ALS as well as lead to improved medications and techniques for treating the disease.
