The MCG Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Program, in cooperation with the ALS Association of Georgia, has been awarded a $70,000 grant by The Healthcare Georgia Foundation to help support clinical care and conduct curative research.

     ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, attacks the nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord, producing weakness, muscle wasting and inhibiting voluntary muscle action. Gradually, patients become paralyzed in the latter stages of the disease while their minds remain unaffected. Once diagnosed, patients usually survive for four to five years.

     “There is no known cause or cure for ALS, which can strike adults at any time,” said Dr. Michael Rivner, Director of the MCG ALS Program. “The goal of our program is to provide advanced medical technology along with patient and family support to help ALS victims lead longer, more comfortable, and productive lives. We also work very closely with the ALS Association of Georgia to coordinate and augment the services provided to patients and their families.” The program is unique to the CSRA.

     The program includes an ALS support group that meets on the second Thursday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. The group provides information to patients and families on ALS and allows them to share experiences and coping strategies. For the convenience of patients, the clinic is open by appointment following the support meetings. Dr. Rivner has created an online discussion list to help support patients with ALS, available at http://www.neurolist.com.

     The program is also joining nationwide efforts to determine the cause, prevention and a cure for ALS. “We are in the process of compiling a database that includes demographic and patient information to aid in research for ALS,” said Dr. Rivner. “We hope that by finding out more about our patients, we can search for factors that might be a clue to the cause of this disease and learn how to improve patient care.”

     To schedule an appointment for the clinic, call 706-721-2681.

     MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group.  The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians, faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia, and employees of the Physicians Practice Group, not employees of MCG Health Inc.  MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care.  For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.