ALS Center of Excellence

Pranger ALS Clinic

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Latest News

ALS Risk Higher Among Production Workers

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“Research Into Preventing ALS…”

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portrait of Dr. Eva Feldman in her lab

Dr. Feldman Given Highest University of Michigan Honor

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Multidisciplinary Team Publishes Paper on ALS Occupational Risk

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The ANA Q&A: Dr. Eva Feldman on ALS

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About


Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a motor neuron disease that causes degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord, and affects about 30,000 people in the United States. While there is no cure, there are strategies to both lengthen and improve quality of life. At the Michigan Medicine Pranger ALS Clinic, we provide expert diagnostic services, comprehensive treatment and compassionate, supportive care throughout the entire disease course of ALS.

While ALS is the most common motor neuron disease, we also treat all other forms, including:

  • PLS (Primary Lateral Sclerosis), affecting the upper motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord
  • PMA (Primary Muscular Atrophy), affecting the lower motor neurons from the spine to the muscle
  • PBP (Progressive Bulbar Palsy), affecting the speech, swallowing, and breathing areas of the brainstem
  • Kennedy’s Disease, an inherited disease that affects lower motor neurons

We assess ALS with a thorough patient history and neurological examination. The exam includes assessing muscle atrophy, strength and reflexes. We also rule out other diseases that mimic ALS. Diagnostic testing includes MRI and EMG (electromyogram), which localizes the source of the trouble.

There are three treatments available that lengthen life:

  • Medication taken twice a day.
  • Non-invasive ventilation: a therapy involving wearing a mask over the nose to take deep breaths with less effort, using a portable machine. Can be used intermittently.
  • Diet and nutritional therapy, to prevent weight loss, and in some cases, increase weight.
  • ALS Center of Excellence at Michigan Medicine National Advisory Board
  • Faculty & Staff
  • What Is ALS?

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ALS Center of Excellence at Michigan Medicine ALS Infographic

ALS Brochure

ALS Brochure

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

Organizations

  • ALS Association
  • ALSA-Michigan Chapter
  • Ann Arbor Active Against ALS
  • ALSA-Northern Ohio Chapter
  • ALS of Michigan
  • National ALS Registry
  • Northeast ALS Consortium
  • Muscular Dystrophy Association

Services

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Social Security Benefits

Useful Links

  • U-M Stem Cell Research
  • Center for Stem Cell Biology
  • Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
  • Society for Stem Cell Research

RSS Research News

  • U-M to establish new Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention
  • U-M Depression Center to be named for Eisenberg family, in recognition of $30M in giving
  • Research on aging expands at U-M with $15M in new grants

Contact Information

Michigan Medicine
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: 734-936-4000
Contact Michigan Medicine

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  • About UMHS
  • For Patients
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  • Home
  • About
    ▼
    • What Is ALS?
    • Scott L. Pranger
    • National Advisory Board
    • Faculty & Staff
    • ALS Center of Excellence Brochure
  • Clinic
    ▼
    • Services
    • Your Visit to the ALS Clinic
    • Patient Portal
    • Durable Medical Equipment
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Research
    ▼
    • Clinical Trials
    • Observational Studies
    • Participate in Research at U-M
  • News
  • Patient Care Guide
    ▼
    • Living with ALS
    • Nutrition
    • Patient & Family Support
  • Contact
  • NeuroNetwork
  • Make A Gift