The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center understand the difficult balance between being hopeful and enjoying life, while also grieving and looking ahead to managing symptoms as the disease persists.
That’s why we’ve created a multidisciplinary ALS/Motor Neuron Disease Clinic in Columbus, Ohio, to compassionately serve those with ALS and their families. We’ll work with you to try to minimize complications and maximize your comfort and independence. We offer all the treatments and services people need in one convenient location.
A multidisciplinary approach to ALS treatment
Our multidisciplinary clinic pulls together experts in numerous areas — neurology, genetics, physical therapy and research, for example — who have made it their life’s mission to help people with ALS and other neuromuscular disorders.
Together, they’ll work with you to prolong survival and improve quality of life.
Why choose Ohio State’s ALS Clinic for treatment?
We have a unique group of passionate health care providers and researchers in one place to serve you. Every three months, you’ll be seen by members of the ALS Clinic team where they’ll assess and communicate with one another about your need in real time. Of course, we’re available in between these clinic visits, too.
Besides the convenience and efficiency of the ALS Clinic, there are several differentiators that make ALS care at Ohio State special. These include:
- No waiting for referrals for appointments with other providers. We can typically handle all your appointments during your one day in the clinic.
- You see the same providers every visit. Our team members are highly dedicated to working with people with ALS. They get to know you and your family as well as how to best care for you.
- We discuss your case with other ALS experts in real time. During your clinic visit, we’ll confer with our colleagues about possible solutions to your symptoms, side effects of your medications or other issues you’re experiencing.
- You can access the latest treatment options and clinical trials available. Our clinic is linked directly with the research laboratory through the work of Stephen Kolb, MD, PhD, and our research coordinator. We can easily enroll you in a clinical trial, or you might be eligible for new treatments, such as a targeted gene therapy called tofersen, also known as Qalsody.
- We provide a safe, supportive environment for care. No matter where you are in the progression of ALS, we’ll provide you with competent, compassionate and nurturing care.
ALS treatment: management of symptoms
There’s no cure to stop the progression of the disease. Still, there are many effective and available treatments for symptoms associated with ALS. We focus on proactive management of symptoms and will address management needs before they become problems. Our ALS specialists will develop a personalized care plan to prolong the quality of your life and provide emotional support for you and your family.
Here’s how each member of our team can help you:
Our physicians and nurse practitioner
Our expert neuromuscular physicians and nurse practitioners can find the most beneficial combination of medications and therapies for your unique situation. Medications and gene therapy, such as Qalsody, can slow progression, control spasticity or improve quality of life. We were the first and are one of the only hospitals in the region administering Qalsody, an FDA-approved targeted gene therapy for people with ALS.
Our genetic counselor
Everyone with ALS receives genetic testing and counseling with a genetic counselor, who is also a researcher and leader in ALS genetics. We believe identifying gene mutations and creating gene therapies will be a large part of the future of ALS treatment. Our genetic counselor and research team recently published the national guidelines for ALS genetic testing and counseling.
Our physical therapist
Following a thorough assessment, our physical therapist customizes a plan that addresses a variety of important factors, including fatigue reduction, pain maintenance or improvement of muscle strength and joint flexibility. In addition to providing guidance for your local therapist, if needed, we’ll teach you home exercises and safe transfer techniques, and work with you to minimize injuries and complications.
Our occupational therapist
Occupational therapy helps you learn adaptive techniques for everyday tasks and even help make adaptations to your home. Through our Assistive Technology Center, we provide you with resources and equipment, such as wheelchair and communicative devices. We also work directly with mobility equipment specialists and rehab engineers to assist you with optimal use and comfort.
Our respiratory therapist
Respiratory therapy is overseen by a provider who specializes in working with people with ALS. The therapist monitors breathing capacity and oxygen intake and provides recommendations for exercise and other tools for optimal breathing.
Our speech therapist
Our speech therapist has specialized training in the speech, language, cognition and swallowing disorders associated with ALS. The therapist can help with voice preservation tools, such as voice banking or message banking, and recommend other devices to keep you communicating and connected with loved ones.
Our registered dietitian
Our registered dietitian works to help you maintain a healthy body weight. From recommending foods to eat and providing nutrition supplements to managing a feeding tube for you, a nutritionist plays a vital role in ALS treatment.
Our research coordination team
For people with ALS, clinical trials are an integral part of their treatment — both in terms of having hope of prolonging their own lives but also helping others find a cure in the future. We’re one of the only ALS clinics in the country to have a dedicated ALS research coordination team that is an integrated part of the clinic team. This team provides education and connects people to potential research studies and clinical trials.
Our social worker
Our social worker will help with referrals for counseling and in-home care. The social worker will provide guidance with insurance issues, disability claims and family medical leave.
Our nursing staff
We have an experienced and compassionate nursing staff who act as our patient navigators. They’ll be with you every step of the way and will make sure you receive all the care you need during and in between each visit.
Additional Information
Please bring to your first appointment all records, written reports and lab results from neurologists or referring physicians, as well as a CD of MRI and other imaging results. Also prepare a written family history of neurological diseases for our discussion during your visit.