Diagnosing ALS

Learn about the early symptoms of ALS and how we make a formal diagnosis.

Electromyography

A key test for ALS is electromyography (EMG), which measures how well your nerves can send signals to your muscles and the electrical activity of your muscles.

Managing the Symptoms of ALS

There are many resources and technologies that can allow people with ALS to live their lives more fully. Below we have written some guidelines for caring for the symptoms associated with ALS.

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) now makes it easier for patients with ALS to apply for disability.

Fall Prevention

In the case of falling, prevention is the best treatment. Although there is no way to prevent all falls 100% of the time, there are a number of steps you can take in your home to reduce your risk.

Folding Manual Wheelchairs

Our guide to shopping for non-motorized wheelchairs.

ALS and Sexual Intimacy

Understanding how ALS affects sexuality is the first step to alleviating any problems with sex and intimacy that the disease may pose.

Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Services

Finding the right care at home can be crucial to ALS symptom management.

Health Care Agents and Health Care Proxy Forms

A health care agent is someone you choose in advance to make medical decisions for you in the event that you become unable to make such decisions for yourself.

Hospice Care

Hospice care seeks to minimize the symptoms caused by ALS and to provide an environment of physical, emotional and spiritual support, permitting a person to live their life to their fullest potential.

Tissue Donation to Advance ALS Research

Tissue donation is act of generosity that becomes part of the donor's legacy and often serves to comfort surviving family members who know that their loved one’s spirit of caring lives on after death.

Other ALS Resources

A guide to other sources of information about ALS and ALS research, as well as opportunities to connect with other patients.

Webinars and Symposiums

The Healey & AMG Center for ALS and other research and treatment groups record educational presentations and research meetings so you can keep up with the latest advances in ALS research and treatment.