From left, Maria Edlin, Susan Whatley, and Jan Blaustone talk at the open house this week for the designation of the Vanderbilt ALS clinic. (photo by Mary Donaldson)
The Vanderbilt Muscular Dystrophy Clinic was recognized officially this week as an ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) clinic. The clinic is the 29th designated clinic in the United States.
The clinic provides comprehensive care to all neuromuscular patients in the area. About 1,100 Muscular Dystrophy patients are seen annually in the clinic, and of those approximately 100 are ALS patients.
ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is the most rapidly progressive of all the neuromuscular diseases.
A complete treatment team works with patients at the Vanderbilt clinic, and monthly support groups are held for patients and their families. The clinic also loans equipment at no cost to the patients.