Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Care in New Jersey

Comprehensive ALS Treatment and Support

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord causing loss of muscle control. Living with ALS requires comprehensive care from a variety of specialists. Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute brings together different specialists in one all-inclusive visit, helping to provide the best, most convenient health care experience for patients and families.

Our ALS Care Locations

We have two dedicated ALS Centers so you can access care close to home in northern or southern New Jersey:

• Hackensack University Medical Center
• Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Our ALS Centers collaborate with the ALS Association (ALSA), ALS United Greater NY and the Joan Dancy & PALS (People with ALS) Foundation to provide the support, services and assistive devices needed to optimize independence in our patients’ daily lives. Each center is a member of the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) — a group of research centers recognized for their ability to perform clinical trials in people with ALS and other motor neuron diseases. As a result, our patients may be able to receive some of the newest, most-promising treatments and therapies.

Diagnosing ALS

There is no single test that can provide a definitive diagnosis of ALS. Our integrated team of experts will conduct an assessment of your health history, symptoms and neurological condition. Additional testing may be needed for diagnosis, including:

• Imaging tests. We may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study to check for neurological problems.
• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS). EMG and NCS measure the electrical activity of your nerves and muscles.
• Blood and urine tests. We may order blood or urine tests to rule out other health conditions that could be causing your symptoms.