The concept of a Multidisciplinary Clinic:
The ALS Center combines state of the art clinical care with cutting edge clinical and basic research. The Emory ALS Clinic provides multidisciplinary care to ALS patients and their families, focusing on independence and quality of life through state of the art intervention. Our research focuses on basic mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration, genetics of ALS, and new experimental treatments. Patients and families should call 404 778-3754 for information and appointments.
Emory Healthcare Patient Guide

The Role of the Neurologist
(Drs. Glass, Khan, Benatar, Harrison, Hopkins)

• Has special expertise in diagnosing, evaluating, and managing patients with ALS and other neuromuscular disorders
• Has access to state-of-the art diagnostic laboratories, such as electromyography, neuroimaging, and neuropathology
• Is able to thoroughly explain the disease, the purposes and side effects of all treatments and medications, and progress in ALS research
• Directs the ALS Multidisciplinary Care Center and multidisciplinary team
• Provides maximum symptomatic and proactive treatment plans, such as enteral feeding and noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV)
• Provides scientifically sound clinical trials
• Is able to discuss alternative, unproven, or unorthodox treatments

The Role of the ALS Nurse (Nicole Yarab, RN, Meraida Polak, BSN, RN)

• Collaborates with the ALS neurologist to direct the efforts of the multidisciplinary team
• Serves as liaison between clinic support teams such as MDA and ALSA
• Coordinates referrals for community and in-home services
• Educates patients and families on diagnosis, progression of disease, available resources

The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist (Kathleen Herrelko, M.A., CCC-SLP)

• Assesses speech mechanism and function
• Evaluates and recommends appropriate augmentative communication (AAC) systems
• Assesses swallowing mechanism and function via clinical tableside assessment and/or Modified Barium Swallow assessment
• Collaborates with the Dietitian and recommends food/liquid consistencies for safest swallow
• Educates patients and families regarding dysarthria and dysphagia, compensatory strategies for communication and compensatory postures/techniques for swallowing, and progression of these disorders in ALS

The Role of the Occupational Therapist (Melissa Tober, OTR/L)

• Evaluates level of independence with activities of daily living.
• Evaluates upper extremity status such as pain, weakness, edema or range of motion limitations.
• Provides education and community resources for adaptive equipment or durable medical equipment to increase independence with feeding, grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting, work-related tasks and/or driving skills.
• Provides appropriate orthotics, positioning techniques or range of motion exercises to increase range of motion and reduce pain and/or edema in the upper extremities.
• Educates patients and caregivers on compensatory strategies to provide optimum performance in areas of self-care, energy conservation and upper extremity home exercise programs.

The Role of the Physical Therapist (Diane Beckwith, PT)

• Evaluates for appropriate exercise program. A stretching program is most appropriate for maintaining optimal flexibility and functional mobility.
• Prescribes assistive devices/equipment, and orthotics to optimize safety with functional mobility.
• Prescribes appropriate manual or power wheelchair as needed.
• Provides resources for dealing with accessibility issues both in and out of the home.
• Re-evaluation as needed for comfort and mobility issues as function changes over time.

The Role of the Dietician (Glen Bergman, CNSD, RD/LD, Erin McAllister, RD/LD)

• Evaluates current nutritional status
• Educates on changes in nutrition seen in ALS, guidelines for caloric intake, tube feedings
• Collaborates with the Speech-Language Pathologist to maximize hydration and nutrition

The Role of the Respiratory Therapist
(Jackie Marcum, RRT, Nancy Steiner, RRT)

• Educates patients and families regarding the effect of ALS on the respiratory system and the importance of early intervention
• Evaluates breathing by measuring the strength of respiratory muscles
• Treats pulmonary diseases which may worsen due to ALS
• Discusses ventilatory support to assist with poor breathing often associated with ALS
• Acts as liaison between patient and home health agencies to meet patient’s respiratory needs

The Role of the Social Worker (Martha Giardina, BSW)

• Provides emotional support to patients and families struggling with a life-threatening disease
• Seeks out and mobilizes community resources
• Assists in the process of obtaining Social Security Disability/Medicare benefits
• Provides forms and answers questions regarding completion of Advance Directives
• Addresses a variety of concerns such as workplace issues, insurance, caregiving, financial problems, talking to children, etc