ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Conemaugh Neuroscience and Pain Institute
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
1450 Scalp Avenue, Second Floor
Johnstown, PA 15904
(814) 269-5061

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurological disease with no known cure. The disease affects all voluntary muscles, causing individuals to lose ability to swallow, talk, walk, and breathe on their own.

Through Conemaugh Health System's ALS Clinic, developed in partnership with Hershey Medical Center, local resources are now available to help diagnose and treat the disease and to provide much-needed support to patients.

Donna Boring, featured in this video, is a patient at Conemaugh Health System.

Diagnosing ALS

Thorough neurological exam
Sophisticated electrodiagnostic tests, including electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction velocity (NVC)
Specialized blood and urine tests
Spinal tap
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests
Myelogram to detect abnormalities of the spine, spinal cord, or surrounding areas
Muscle and nerve biopsies

ALS Team

Neurologists
Physical and occupational therapists
Speech therapists
Nutritionists
Respiratory therapists with extensive experience in ALS breathing techniques and technology
Social workers and counselors from Conemaugh Regional Hospice help those affected by ALS adjust to the challenges of the disease and help them embrace the unexpected opportunities that come with each day.
Home health and home-based medical equipment services are available.

Frank E. Mayak ALS Support Group

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease", is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease progresses the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. After Frank E. Mayak's death from ALS, his wife, Shirley, and his family wished to be sure those living with ALS, their families, friends, and survivors would be able to find support and information. This casual forum is a chance to find out about the latest clinical trials, learn new ways to ease the physical emotional stress of ALS or just get together with special friends who truly understand what you're going through.

Meets second Wednesday of each month
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Conemaugh East Hills
Community Room, Suite 2400
1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904
For more information, call (814) 269-5241.