Treating ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

At Providence, we build close relationships with our patients with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. We know ALS can be a challenge not only for them, but also for their families. We’re here for you every step of the way with compassionate support and treatment to help slow progression of the disease.

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Why Choose Us for Your ALS Care?

Thousands of patients trust us every year to treat their ALS. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

Doctor speaking with patient

When you’re a patient at Providence, your neurologic specialists and support staff nurture a long-term relationship with you to offer comprehensive treatment for ALS. They understand that this neuromuscular disease affects everyone differently and customize care for your specific needs. Some locations offer regular multidisciplinary clinics so you can see multiple neurologic specialists – sometimes as many as 10 – in one appointment. This integrated care allows your specialists to collaborate closely on your treatment. It also means fewer appointments and greater convenience for you and your loved ones.

We take a team approach to your care with the goal of easing the symptoms of ALS and slowing the progression of the disease. We have fellowship-trained, board-certified neurologists who specialize in ALS. Our team also consists of pulmonologists; physiatrists; occupational, speech, respiratory, and physical therapists; dietitians; social workers and nurses who specialize in neuromuscular disorders. We also have a care services representative from the ALS Association who attends all of our clinics. If you need rehabilitation, our specialists work with you to help you maintain your physical strength, function, and mobility.

Providence has long been a leader in advancing treatment for neuromuscular disorders like ALS. Our research has contributed to many medications in use today, including the third drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to treat ALS. We also have an active clinical trial program to find new ALS therapies. Clinical trials offer exposure to novel and emerging therapies, and many of our patients participate in these programs.

At Providence, we’re committed to providing access to the best ALS care across our diverse community. We respect and support the racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual and spiritual identities of each patient. We offer location-specific translation services for non-English-speaking patients, and in some locations we help with transportation.

We also partner with the ALS Association to help patients access grants and other resources to buy medical equipment such as walkers. And, in keeping with our Mission, Providence offers financial assistance programs that provide free and low-cost care to those who are eligible.

As our patient, you benefit from one of the largest networks of neuroscientists in the country. We have award-winning physicians, scientists and researchers across 51 hospitals in seven states. We also have clinics certified as Centers of Excellence by the ALS Association. This collaborative network is one of the reasons we care for ALS patients through more than 5,400 appointments every year.

How Our Doctors Are Making a Difference

Learn how one Providence ALS Center provides compassionate, comprehensive care to help patients maximize their quality of life.

Our Commitment to Care

“The team is here for you. We are here to support you, to answer questions, to provide resources. If there’s a problem, we’re here to problem-solve. You’re not alone.”

Michael Elliott, M.D. - Executive Medical Director, Neurology
Providence Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle

More About ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuromuscular disorder that affects the nervous system and makes it hard to move your muscles. Over time, ALS worsens and can make talking, walking and everyday activities such as eating difficult. Though there is no cure for ALS, treatment may slow its progression and ease its symptoms.

Types of motor neuron diseases we treat in our ALS clinics include:

  • Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
  • Progressive bulbar palsy
  • Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA)

Testing and Diagnostics

Doctor with patient smiling test results

Your neurological team will use the most advanced methods to diagnose your ALS. These may include one or more of the following:

  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Genetic testing
  • Lab testing
  • MRI
  • Nerve conduction studies

Personalized Treatment for ALS

Your care team works with you to create a treatment plan based on your symptoms and the progression of your ALS. Your care plan may include one or more of the following:

  • Nutrition
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Respiratory therapy

Find Neurological Care Close to You

Meet the Team

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

Female doctor wearing mask, doctors in background

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