Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Multidisciplinary Clinic
The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Multidisciplinary Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital provides high-quality care along with access to the latest treatments and research opportunities for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Dr. Swati Aggarwal demonstrates a patient exam
ALS Doctors
Taking Control
Comprehensive, Individualized Care
A Team Approach to CareWe recognize that ALS affects not only your health but also your family, work and social life. We try to address these different aspects of your life through our comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment approach.
As your needs change over time, we respond accordingly. We take care to offer you and your family guidance in reaching important decisions along with services, support (see Support & Wellness) and education appropriate to each disease stage.
New patients can learn more about what to expect on our ALS diagnosis page.
What to ExpectOur clinical staff comprises medical professionals with expertise in treating various aspects of the patient's physical and emotional well-being:
We also work closely with Dr. Robert Brown, codirector of the Respiratory Acute Care Unit, to help patients manage their respiratory issues.
Having a multidisciplinary care team allows patients to receive all ALS-related care in one place. We can often schedule visits with multiple specialists in one day, further enhancing patient convenience.
A Trusted Regional NetworkWe see patients in our multidisciplinary clinic on Tuesdays. To make an appointment, please call 617-724-3914. A referral from your primary care physician or neurologist is required.
Please submit your medical records and films prior to your first visit. At the appointment, one of our neurologists reviews your medical history and conducts a physical examination. You can meet with various members of the ALS multidisciplinary care team, including nurse practitioners and physical, speech and respiratory therapists.
In determining your treatment plan, your neurologist reviews factors such as age, medical history, tolerance for certain medications, disease progression and personal preferences. Ongoing care includes follow-up visits to the clinic every two to three months.
In between visits, you may meet with physical therapists, respiratory therapists or other specialists affiliated with our program or in your community. Our team members can also answer your questions and talk to health care providers you may be seeing in your community.
Our clinic's nurses, Matt Bellanich, NP and Darlene Pulley, RN help to coordinate your medical, nursing and therapeutic needs, and work closely with your neurologist and physiatrist. They and the other members of the ALS team are also available to discuss any of your questions or concerns related to your care.
Over the past several years, we have successfully built a regional network of trusted health care providers. When someone needs to find a local specialist or facility with experience in caring for ALS patients, we can point him or her in the right direction.
ALS Doctors
Taking Control
Focused on ALS Since 1984
The ALS Clinic at Mass General has treating patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 1984. In 1999 we began designing and enrolling patients in clinical trials exploring promising new therapies. In 2004 we became a multidisciplinary clinic, bringing in a variety of specialists to optimize care for patients.
Today, we offer patients a reason for hope as they confront a challenging disease. Research suggests that patients in multidisciplinary ALS clinics live longer and have a higher quality of life.
Emphasizing Symptom Management
ALS patients often experience many symptoms that evolve as the disease progresses. Our goal is to help patients optimally manage these symptoms, including pain, muscle stiffness, depression and difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Research - Basic Science & New Therapies
We also strive to learn more about ALS and possible treatments through research. Mass General has a long history of studying ALS. For example, in 1993 Mass General researchers found the first gene that caused a familial form of the disease.
Currently, the Neurology Clinical Trials Unit (NCTU) is leading or participating in research studies related to:- The safety and efficacy of several new treatments to slow or halt the illness
- Unique biological markers for use in diagnosing ALS and monitoring its progression
- The effects of nutrition and weight loss on ALS
- The prevalence of depression and its impact on survival, treatment decisions and disease progression
The MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND) conducts basic science research, and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute conducts clinical trials and basic science research in ALS. Our research staff is available to discuss ALS research at Mass General and elsewhere with patients and their families.
Dr. Cudkowicz is co-chair of the Northeast ALS Consortium a collaborative network of ALS centers throughout North America that aims to develop new treatments in ALS and to better understand the cause of ALS.
Leadership in ALS
Merit Cudkowicz, MD, MSc, clinic codirector from 1997 through 2008, now serves as our director. She is trained in neurology and experimental therapeutics with a focus on neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, she has extensive experience in designing and managing clinical trials in ALS and Huntington's disease. In 1995 she helped form the Northeast ALS Consortium.
Dr. Cudkowicz also serves on the boards of scientific advisors for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the ALS Association. In 2009 she was named corecipient of the Sheila Essey Award for ALS research.
A Passion for Our Work
Dr. Cudkowicz leads a multidisciplinary team with a passion for combating ALS and creating a brighter future for our patients. Our entire staff is committed not only to caring for patients but also to exploring improved treatments through research.
Community outreach is also a high priority for us. We are constantly educating health care providers in rehabilitation, long-term care, hospice and other facilities on how to care for people with ALS.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal neurological disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain.
Because we recognize that ALS affects not only our patients’ health but also their family life, work life and social life. We strive to address all these ALS-related needs through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care and treatment.
Depression and Anxiety in Individuals with ALS
Learn more about recognizing and managing depression and anxiety, two common psychological reactions individuals with ALS may experience.
Respiratory Issues and ALS
Learn how to live better with respiratory issues affecting individuals with ALS, as well as treatment for early and advanced respiratory issues.
Electromyography Study (EMG)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Multidisciplinary Clinic: Learn more about the Electromyography Study (EMG), which plays a key role in the evaluation of patients with muscle weakness.
Diagnosing ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Multidisciplinary Clinic: Learn more about how ALS diagnosed, including the clinicians and specialists involved, the neurological exam and diagnostic testing
Living with ALS: Sexuality and Intimacy
ALS can directly affect sexual function through nerve and muscle changes, and indirectly affect feelings of intimacy between the person with ALS and his or her partner.
Personal Care Attendants
Personal Care Attendants (PCA) assist people with long-term disabilities who live at home.
The following related clinical trials and research studies are currently seeking participants at Massachusetts General Hospital. Search for clinical trials and studies in another area of interest.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Multidisciplinary Clinic
Wang Ambulatory Care CenterALS Clinic, Department of Neurology
15 Parkman Street, 8th Floor, Room 835
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-724-3914
Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Public Transportation Access: yes
Disabled Access: yes
For Appointments:
Samantha Bright at (617) 724-3914
(Hours: 9am to 4:30pm)
For Prescription Refills:
Matt Bellanich at (617) 726-8741
Darlene Pulley at (617) 726-6190
MGH Paging System: (617) 726-2066
(To reach your physician after hours)
General Research Questions: (617) 643-3980
Nursing Questions:
Matt Bellanich
mbellanich@partners.org
(617) 726-8741
Darlene Pulley
dpulley@partners.org
(617) 726-6190
Physical Therapy Questions:
Amy Schwartz
alschwartz@partners.org
(617) 724-4246
Speech Pathology Questions:
Paige Nalipinski
pnalipinski@partners.org
(617) 724-0766
Respiratory Therapists:
Dean Hess
dhess@partners.org
(617) 724-4480
Purris Williams
pfwilliams@partners.org
(617) 724-4480
