ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. This condition impacts each person differently. It can impact a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. Some patients may experience mobility issues early on, while others may face communication challenges. Each year, ALS is recognized globally in the month of May. This disease is fatal and currently has no cure, which is why people all over the world join together annually to raise awareness.

At Paragon, we see the pain and frustration that our ALS patients, their families, and caregivers face. Many emotions come with a serious health diagnosis, and we’re here to provide support every step of the way, so they never have to feel like they’re facing their disease alone. Our heart is to see each patient with ALS have the resources needed to make informed decisions about their condition, manage their symptoms, and adjust to a new routine and lifestyle. Whether an ALS patient has been recently diagnosed or is making end-of-life arrangements, we can provide resources, support, and treatment options.

How is Paragon Helping to Raise Awareness About ALS?

Our team has partnered with the ALS Association and participated in multiple events to give back to the community, including:

• ALS Walk – San Antonio, TX
• ALS Walk – The Woodlands, TX
• ALS Walk – Austin, TX
• ALS Walk – Houston, TX
• ALS Golf Classic – Round Rock, TX
• Max’s Ride for ALS Research – Austin, TX

Who Does ALS Impact?

• 5000 people per year are diagnosed with ALS in the US
• At least 16000 people in the US may currently have ALS
• 5% to 10% of ALS cases are inherited
• 90% to 95% of ALS cases have no clearly associated risk factors, and their family members are not at increased risk for developing the disease

It is difficult to diagnose ALS, but once correctly identified, the symptoms can be treated and managed through a handful of therapies such as hydration and nutrition support.

How is ALS Diagnosed?

• Electrodiagnostic tests including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
• Blood and urine tests
• Spinal tap
• X-rays and/or MRIs
• Myelogram of the cervical spine
• Muscle and/or nerve biopsy
• A thorough neurological examination

We provide our patients with multiple care options, including receiving their treatment in one of our infusion centers or the home setting. Patients have found both options to be beneficial. Some prefer receiving their treatment in the clinic where they can connect with the nurses and other patients, while others prefer to receive treatment in the comfort of their own home.

One of the primary therapies we offer to treat ALS is Radicava© (edaravone), an FDA-approved treatment shown to slow physical function decline. It is one of the first treatments approved in over 20 years to treat ALS. The drug is given by intravenous (IV) infusion into your vein and typically takes an hour to receive a full dose. Radicava is initially administered daily for two weeks (14 days), followed by a two-week (14 days) drug-free period, and then given daily for ten days in a two-week period (14 days), followed by a two-week (14 days) drug-free period.

We love our ALS patients and are here to provide support and guidance every step of the way. For more information about Paragon Healthcare, visit our website at https://paragonhealthcare.com/.

For more information about ALS, visit https://www.als.org/.

For more information about Radicava© (edaravone), visit https://www.radicava.com/patient/.