Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center is proud to announce that the CAMC Center for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Treatment and Care has been formally recognized as a nationally Recognized Treatment Center by the ALS Association. This prestigious designation reflects the highest standard of multidisciplinary care and underscores CAMC’s commitment to patients and families affected by this devastating disease.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor for our ALS clinic, the Department of Neurology, and all of CAMC and Vandalia Health,” said Dr. James Russell, Director of the ALS center. “It speaks to the exceptional dedication of our physicians, nurses, therapists and support staff who work tirelessly to provide comprehensive, compassionate and evidence-based care to individuals living with ALS.”
Multidisciplinary Care: The Gold Standard
The ALS Association’s designation highlights CAMC’s ability to deliver coordinated multidisciplinary care, which is widely recognized as the gold standard for managing ALS. The CAMC Center for ALS Treatment and Care brings together a specialized team that includes:
- Neurologists with expertise in neuromuscular diseases
- Pulmonary physicians with expertise in ALS pulmonary care
- Respiratory therapists
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Nutritionists
- ALS equipment supports specialists
- Social workers and care coordinators
This team-based approach ensures that every aspect of the patient’s condition is addressed from mobility and communication to nutrition, respiratory support and psychosocial care.
Commitment to Patients and Community
This achievement reflects not only clinical excellence but also CAMC’s deep commitment to the patients and families it serves. As an ALS Association Recognized Treatment Center, CAMC also will have expanded opportunities to participate in clinical research, patient education initiatives and national collaborations, further advancing care and contributing to the search for better treatments and ultimately a cure.
For more information about the CAMC Center for ALS Treatment and Care, please visit camc.org/Neurology.
About Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive and ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells (motor neurons) in the brain and spinal cord. These motor neurons are responsible for controlling voluntary muscles, including those used for movement, speech, swallowing and breathing.
In ALS, these neurons gradually degenerate and die, leading to muscle weakness, loss of mobility and increasing disability. Over time, individuals lose the ability to perform even the simplest physical activities. While cognitive function may remain intact in many patients, the physical toll of the disease is profound.
The exact cause of ALS is not fully understood. Approximately 90–95% of cases are sporadic, meaning they occur without a known family history, while about 5–10% are familial, linked to inherited genetic mutations. Current research is actively exploring genetic, environmental and molecular contributors to the disease.
ALS typically progresses over a period of two to five years after diagnosis, though some individuals may live longer. While there is currently no cure, advances in care, including disease-modifying therapies, symptom management, and multidisciplinary support—have significantly improved quality of life and survival.