Care for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a terminal neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. At the ALS Clinic of Lehigh Valley Health Network, we want to help you live your best life after your diagnosis. The ALS Clinic evaluates and cares for people with ALS and related disorders. We treat both the disease and its symptoms, and are affiliated with The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association.
At the ALS Clinic, you’ll see many different kinds of health care professionals in one place. In fact, you'll get to stay in one room while everybody comes to you.
Diagnosis
We offer several tests to diagnose neuromuscular disorders. Our experienced staff uses state-of-the-art equipment for all of these tests:
- Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis
- CT (Computerized Tomography) Scans
- Electromyograph (EMG)
- Genetic Testing
- Muscle Biopsy
- MRI Scans
- Nerve Conduction Test
- Quantitative Sensory Testing
- X-ray
Treatment
Depending on your diagnosis and the progression of your disease, you may benefit from one or more of these treatments:
- Plasma exchange
- Intravenous immunoglobulin
- Immunosuppression
- Individual pain and symptom management
People with neuromuscular diseases often have special rehabilitation needs. You may need:
- Strategies to protect and strengthen muscles, joints and nerves
- Pain management
- Balance and gait training
- Protection of respiratory and airway function
This page last updated 11/25/08 09:39 AM
