Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Overview

People who seek out diagnosis or treatment with the doctors of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) specialty group receive comprehensive care. Your care team might include experts in physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatrists), physical and occupational therapy, pulmonary medicine, and others. This team listens to you and works to ensure you get exactly the care you need.

People with ALS or related disorders benefit from the team model of care, including coordinated diagnostic tests, access to dietary and nutritional counseling, lung and breathing care, follow-up care, and the support of social workers. Support groups for people with ALS and their family members also are available.

Our doctors diagnose and treat more than 800 people with ALS each year. They have expertise in inherited and acquired neuromuscular conditions, genetics of myopathies present from birth (congenital) and adult-onset neuropathies, and how nerves and muscles function.

Mayo Clinic campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota are certified Centers of Excellence by the ALS Association.

Conditions and symptoms

Research advances that improve clinical care

Our clinician-researchers and scientists are active in clinical and basic science research to study causes, genetics and potential treatments for ALS and ALS-related diseases. You may have the opportunity to participate in research studies and clinical trials as part of your treatment at Mayo Clinic.

Read more about research in neuromuscular diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Nationally recognized expertise

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, rank among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023-2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.