Healey & AMG Center for ALS
ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic
ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic
Healey & AMG Center for ALS
Department of Neurology
Wang Ambulatory Care Center
15 Parkman Street, Room 835
Boston,
MA
02114
Phone: 617-724-3914
Hours: 9:00 am–4:30 pm
Explore This Clinic
Personalized ALS Patient Care & Research
Our dedicated, multidisciplinary team is experienced in navigating the complexities of ALS, providing integrative, personalized ALS treatment options through our ALS care center, virtual visits, house calls, access to cutting-edge clinical trials, and expanded access to ALS clinical care programs.
As there is currently no cure for ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, the main approach to treatment is to manage the symptoms that come with this disease. This may include physical, occupational, speech, respiratory, and nutritional therapies. There are currently few FDA therapies approved for treating ALS—riluzole, edaravone (IV and oral formulation), Relyvrio, and Nuedexta to name a few.
Our ALS Clinic offers many community resources to help support patients with ALS and their loved ones.
Researchers are conducting studies to increase their understanding of genes that may cause the disease, mechanisms that can trigger motor neurons to degenerate in ALS, and approaches to stop the progress leading to cell death.
Browse our ALS Clinic welcome packet (PDF)
Expanded Clinical Care: Meeting the Needs of our Patients with ALS
We provide personalized care for people with ALS, offering access to experimental therapies through clinical trials and expanded access programs. Through partnerships with our patients, we have steadily diversified and expanded our multidisciplinary care team, developed TelePALS (a video telehealth program), and launched the ALS House Call Program. Each program is designed to deliver the best possible ALS care directly to our patients, meeting the unique needs of those with ALS on their own terms.
Personalized Research: ALS Care Plans Tailored to You
The impact of ALS varies for each person. At the Healey & AMG Center for ALS, we know that that understanding the distinctive needs of each individual with ALS is crucial to overcoming the disease. We embrace this uniqueness as a tool for pioneering ALS research and clinical trials to unlock the mysteries of the disease and develop effective treatments.
See our latest ALS clinical trials and research
– Patient at the ALS Multidisciplinary ClinicThe thoughtfulness, carefulness and caring that Sarah Luppino, NP showed meant a lot to both myself and my wife who was also in with me. She's professional, smart and very caring.
Frequently Asked Questions About ALS
What is ALS?
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuromuscular disorder affecting motor neurons. These are the nerves responsible for controlling voluntary muscles used for actions such as chewing, talking, and moving your arms and legs. Over time, ALS leads to muscle weakness, eventually impacting breathing, talking, and swallowing.
Effective ALS treatment involves a combination of therapies and medications designed to manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
How common is ALS?
ALS is the most prevalent adult-onset progressive motor neuron disease, affecting approximately 30,000 people in the U.S. and an estimated 500,000 people worldwide.
What are the early symptoms of ALS?
Early symptoms may include muscle weakness, twitching, and difficulty with speech or swallowing.
How is ALS diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves clinical examinations, electromyography (EMG), and various imaging tests to rule out other conditions.
Is there a cure for ALS?
Currently, there is no cure for ALS, but various treatments and therapies aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment focuses on symptom management, including medications, physical therapy, and assistive devices to enhance quality of life.
Are there risk factors for ALS?
While the exact cause is unknown, certain genetic and environmental factors may contribute to ALS risk.
Can ALS be inherited?
In some cases, ALS has a genetic component. Both sporadic and familial forms exist.
What research is being done for ALS?
Ongoing research explores potential treatments, genetic factors, and understanding the underlying causes of ALS.
How does ALS progress?
ALS progression varies, but it typically involves the gradual degeneration of motor neurons, leading to increased muscle weakness and functional impairment.
What is the life expectancy for someone with ALS?
Life expectancy varies, but the average survival is around 3-5 years after diagnosis. However, some individuals may live longer.
Diagnosing ALS
We offer neuromuscular diagnostic services including, MRI, lab tests and electromyography.
Patient & Family Education
Explore resources that are designed to help patients and families living with ALS.
Managing ALS Symptoms
Learn how identifying and managing symptoms can make living with ALS easier.
ALS PACT
PACT, or Parenting At a Challenging Time, helps families cope with an ALS diagnosis.
Find an ALS Clinical Trial
Join us at the leading edge of ALS research.
Common Questions About Radicava
Radicava (edaravone) is a relatively new drug that can slow the progression of ALS.
House Calls Program
Patients can have ALS clinicians visit them at home.
TeleHealth
TeleHealth helps bring the ALS clinic to your home.
ALS News
Get the latest news from the Healey Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About ALS Care
Explore answers to common questions about ALS care at Mass General.
Our ALS Physicians
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- Associate Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
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- Winthrop Family Scholar in ALS Sciences
- Averill Healey Endowed Chair in ALS
- Director, MGH Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI)
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- Department of Neurology
- Palliative Care
- Department of Medicine
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- Physician Investigator
- Neurologist
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- Co-Director, MGH Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI)
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- Site Director, Neurology Clerkship
- Associate Director, Advanced General and Autoimmune Neurology Fellowship
Schedule Comprehensive ALS Care Today
Please use the following links to schedule an appointment with our ALS care team. Existing Mass General Brigham patients can use their Patient Gateway to book an appointment, while new patients can use our convenient online form.