ALS Care at OhioHealth
Certified treatment tailored for your best care
OhioHealth is committed to providing patients and families the highest level of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) care through our multidisciplinary OhioHealth ALS Clinic. The ALS Association, along with the ALS United Ohio, recognizes OhioHealth as the only ALS Certified Treatment Center of Excellence in the region.
ALS diagnosis
Our ALS neurologists are experienced in distinguishing the subtle symptoms of early onset ALS from other, similar conditions. During your diagnostic meeting, you will receive:
- A full neurological exam, clinical evaluation and review of previous diagnostic testing.
- Determination for testing, such as EMG (an electrodiagnostic test that looks at muscle and nerve function), blood tests and MRIs, as needed.
Upon diagnosis, we explain the disease and work closely with patients and families to offer the highest level of care in our multidisciplinary OhioHealth ALS Clinic.
ALS treatment
We offer and educate patients and families on treatment options for ALS and symptom management throughout your care journey. We provide:
- FDA-approved medications to slow the progression of the disease.
- Medications to alleviate symptoms.
- Referral to other specialists, such as pulmonary physicians or interventional radiologists, if needed.
- Education and training on medical equipment, including power wheelchairs and speech devices.
- Social work support for community resource utilization and planning.
If you think you or a loved one may have ALS, talk to your provider about the thinkALS screening tool.
T – Tongue or speech changes Unexplained dysarthria or tongue fasciculations?
H – Hand or limb weakness Progressive motor weakness or muscle wasting, typically asymmetric?
I – Increased reflexes Hyperreflexia, spasticity or clonus noted?
N – No sensory symptoms Symptoms are primarily motor, with minimal or no sensory involvement?
K – Keep ALS on your differential Consider referral if any of the above are present and symptoms are progressive.
For those who have symptoms, please have your provider make a referral to our ALS and Neuromuscular Weakness Evaluation Clinic. Call the ALS Clinic line at (614) 788-2458.
ALS Rapid Access Clinic
OhioHealth Rapid Access Clinic can accelerate diagnosis and improve quality of life.
- Raising awareness of early signs and symptoms.
- Providing streamlined access to neuromuscular specialists.
- Eliminating the need for intermediate referral to community neurologists.
Why it matters:
- Average diagnostic delay: 10–16 months (national); 16–18 months (local data).
- Earlier diagnosis means earlier treatment, leading to better care planning and improved quality of life.
An excellent certified treatment center
The ALS Association, along with the ALS United Ohio, welcomed OhioHealth to the nonprofit organization’s Certified Treatment Center of Excellence Program. This establishes the OhioHealth ALS Clinic as meeting the highest levels of established national standards of care in the management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Since 1998, The ALS Association’s national network of Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence has provided evidence-based, multidisciplinary ALS care and services in a supportive atmosphere with an emphasis on hope and quality of life.
