Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS (also known as motor neurone disease) is a progressive disease of the motor nervous system. The cure for, and causes of, this disorder are the subjects of active research worldwide.

ALS is one of several motor neurone diseases and is characterised by the degeneration of motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. Its symptoms are muscle weakness (loss of strength, paresis), muscle atrophy and/or muscle stiffness (spasticity).

The disease can begin with the muscles of the hands and feet (limb-onset), with difficulty speaking and dysphagia (bulbar-onset) or, more rarely, with trouble breathing. Due to the impairment of several bodily functions and the often rapid progression of the disorder, those suffering from ALS require immediate specialised, multi-professional care which is as close to home as possible.

We offer those with ALS and other motor neurone diseases comprehensive advice about on the following

• treatment
• disability aids
• medical measures, especially in cases of difficulty swallowing or breathing and spasticity

We arrange the following

• administration of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)
• introduction of mask ventilation
• measures to alleviate spasticity, including botulinum toxin or intrathecal administration of baclofen

Following examination by a neurological specialist, an outpatient, day care unit or inpatient treatment at our facilities can proceed.

We work in close cooperation with the Neuromuscular Centre at the University Hospital of Basel, the patient organisation Swiss ALS Association and the Swiss Society for Muscular Diseases.