The clinical programs located within the Centre are an example of the partnership of Vancouver Coastal Health clinical care and UBC clinical research/trials.
Treating people living with ALS and related MNDs
The ALSRD Clinic at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health provides ongoing assessment, intervention, consultation, and educational services to people with ALS and related MNDs.
The clinic is a trans-disciplinary entity providing clinical care and related services to affected patients and their families from BC. Staff in the program are also involved in teaching residents and fellows, as well as doing clinical and translational research. The ALSRD Clinic is staffed by four ALS specialist neurologists, as well as the highly trained ALS Team, which includes registered nurses, physical and occupational therapists, a speech and language pathologist, a dietician and social workers.
The ALS Society of BC (ALSBC) and the program have consolidated an innovative partnership to provide a successful outreach clinic program for areas of the province difficult to reach for disabled patients, including Chilliwack, Kelowna, Prince George, Comox and Nanaimo. The clinic is part of the overarching ALSRD program, whose mission is to expand its clinical trials, translational and basic research in identifying novel diagnostics and targets for effective therapeutics in these disorders.
FAQs
Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the ALS and Related Disorders Clinic.
We encourage referral to the ALSRD Clinic for all patients where the referring doctor believes ALS/PLS to be highly likely. Patients do not need to have a definite diagnosis of ALS or PLS prior to referral.
Referrals must be made by a physician or nurse practitioner. Have your physician or nurse practitioner complete the ALSRD Clinic referral form and fax the completed form to 604-822-2611.
Your first appointment with take approximately two hours and will involve diagnostic testing with the Neurologist and EMG Technologist. Depending on the outcome of this appointment, you will be invited back for a follow-up appointment with the Allied Team only. If you live out of town, the Allied Team will be available to meet with you during your initial appointment, as needed.
Follow-up appointments are generally 2.5 hours long, and the Neurologist and Allied Team will meet with you as needed. This depends on your energy level and your identified concerns and needs.
Appointments are typically scheduled 3 to 6 months apart. This is dependent on the Neurologist’s assessment of your needs.