ALS Clinic

Click here for information on the Duke ALS clinic, directed by Dr. Richard Bedlack, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Neurology.

Affecting about 1 in 20,000 people, ALS is a degenerative disease of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. It starts very slowly and innocently, sometimes with the slightest weakness in a hand or a foot, or with muscle twitching. Unfortunately, unlike more benign conditions that all of us experience from time to time, ALS continues to progress. The weakness and the twitching spread to involve more muscles, eventually those that control speech and swallowing. Over time, the disease gradually robs the bearer of independence. The lifespan is shortened, usually to 2-5 years from diagnosis. The cause of disease in most patients is not known. There is no cure, and the only approved medication for slowing disease progression improves survival by an average of 3 months.

Given the rarity and gravity of the condition, and the unique and ever-changing needs of patients with it, we felt a special clinic dedicated to ALS should be created.

At the Duke ALS Clinic, all new patients first receive a "fresh look" by a neuromuscular specialist to be sure they have ALS. This consists of an interview, an examination, and various tests that may include blood work, imaging and electromyography.

Patients in whom the diagnosis is confirmed are kept involved in the latest ALS research. This includes discussion of what is happening at other ALS centers, and opportunities to participate in upcoming research studies here at Duke.

Most importantly, our multi-disciplinary team strives to maximize each ALS patient's quality of life. At every visit, we identify functional problems that currently exist or might be upcoming, and provide options for dealing with them with our occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and social worker. We have a "loaner closet" in which various assisting devices are recycled to save patients the time and money of obtaining them new.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has recognized the Duke ALS Clinic as one of its distinguished ALS Research and Clinical Centers. In addition, the MDA provides financial support for patient care and equipment.