UNC Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic Center of Excellence
ALS is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the motor neurons in the spinal cord, and their connections upwards towards the brain and downwards towards the muscles. Most patients have a sporadic form of the disease, meaning the cause or causes of the disease are unknown. However, we frequently discover distinctive genetic variants. Inevitably, this disorder leads to loss of function and independence over periods varying between months to years.
Treatment Center of Excellence
To achieve this designation, the UNC ALS Clinic demonstrated:
- A strong partnership with the ALS Association
- A multidisciplinary team trained to meet the complex needs of ALS patients
- Leadership by neurologists and ALS specialists with deep expertise
- Ongoing quality improvement initiatives
- Active involvement in IRB-approved ALS-specific research
Patient Care
The ALS Clinic at UNC offers an expert group of dedicated neuromuscular physicians to diagnose the disorder with the aid of state-of-the-art technology. Once diagnosed, patients attend one of our monthly ALS interdisciplinary clinics, where a team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, social workers and supporting specialties apply the standards of care to manage the disease and its associated progression.
Our clinic highlights the evidence-based foundations of ALS management, knowing that a combination of interdisciplinary care; pulmonary and nutritional support; pharmacologic agents; and supportive and mindful communications increase the lifespan and quality of life of our patients.
At UNC, we value our relationship with ALS patients and their families, knowing that the disorder affects the entire family unit. We strive to build rapport during all of our interactions with our patients and their loved ones as we prepare individualized care plans.
During their first visits, patients and families will meet with one of our doctors for diagnostic testing and confirmation of the disease. Once this has happened, initial discussions about the disease take place, and patients are enrolled into our ALS Clinic. Initial ALS Clinic visits are when we start discussing goals of care, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapeutic options, and exploration of immediate needs.
Over subsequent visits, patients and families undergo evaluation and management by our physicians, advanced practice providers, physical, and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, a nutritionist, a social work, and other team members.
Community Partner
ALS United North Carolina
The UNC Neurology ALS Clinic is a proud partner of ALS United North Carolina. They provide funding to the clinic, serve ALS patients and the community of North Carolina. Their website hosts many resources for patients and care providers of individuals with ALS. Click the Resource button below and review the Guides For Living with ALS.
ALS NC Resources
Education & Research
Innovation and education are important components of the mission of our department and institution. We offer participation in clinical trials, basic sciences research and training of the next generation of ALS specialists.
Our comprehensive Neurosciences Research Center and the Neurology Clinical Trials Unit provide access to patients who wish to contribute to future discoveries.
Current Trials
Previous Trials
As part of our commitment to extramural academic collaboration, the UNC ALS clinic is a member of the Northeast Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Consortium (NEALS).
Our Team
Appointments
ALS patients should ask their providers to refer them to the UNC Neurology ALS Clinic.
Providers : please specifically state the ALS Clinic in the patient referral.
- Providers who have access to UNC CareLink can submit a referral online. If you would like to enroll, click on the link and select “Request an Account.” You may wish to download an overview of the referral portal or view a step-by-step guide on how to sign up.
- If you don’t have a UNC CareLink account, please fax a completed referral form, including a specific referral question and records to (984) 974-5437. Please call (984) 974-7337 if you have any questions.
For more information on the referral process, please visit the Adult Patient Referral page.
Referral Information