Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Treatment

There is one FDA approved drug to treat ALS, Rilutek. This drug was shown to increase survival of patients by approximately three months.  Other than Rilutek there are no known drugs or supplements that have been proven to increase survival.

The majority of the treatment for patients with ALS is focused on managing a patient&rsquot;s symptoms. We believe this is best accomplished through a multidisciplinary clinic (Link to clinic) which brings together a variety of specialist therapists, such a physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and respiratory therapy. We have established this type of a clinic at Good Samaritan Hospital.  Here we can manage symptoms that arise by providing specific equipment to compensate for the weakness that develops. Trials have shown that patients followed in these multidisciplinary clinics live 6-12 months longer.