ALS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What services are available at the Carolinas ALS Center?
A: The Carolinas ALS Center provides a full spectrum of medical, therapeutic and support specialists in a hospital-based outpatient setting. It is also a leading resource for patient and family education materials. Patient support groups throughout the region are invited to affiliate with Carolinas ALS Center to consolidate efforts for improving patient services. Patients can sample or borrow devices capable of synthesizing or augmenting speech from the center's Communication Laboratory.

Q: What special benefits does the program offer patients?
A: The Carolinas ALS Center's multidisciplinary team approach to patient care enables a comprehensive and efficient means for long-term follow-up. Our state-of-the-art computerized database software tracks patient progress. Disease progression in the Center's ALS patients is compared with a similar nationwide database from other leading treatment centers in the United States.

Q: What specialists are available to patients?
A: Members of the Carolinas ALS Center's team include: neurologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, orthopaedic surgeons, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, orthotics/wheelchair specialists, social workers, psychologists, home healthcare specialists, and insurance experts.

Q: What kind of research is being done to help patients?
A: The Neuromuscular/ALS Research Laboratory in the Cannon Research Center is a major component of the Carolinas ALS Center's comprehensive approach to treatment. Current research includes the role of antioxidants in promoting motor neuron survival.

Q: What other research is the center doing?
A: Carolinas ALS Center participates in the most current clinical drug trials, emphasizing research in novel compounds and new methods of evaluating patients. A unique program specifically designed to organize and maintain multiple-drug therapies is currently underway. Information on research developments and new clinical trials is shared through our network of local patient support groups.

Q: Is financial help available?
A: Patients are seen regardless of their financial or insurance status. An assistance fund is available to benefit patients with financial need.