Treating ALS

How is ALS Treated?

Currently, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis currently has no cure. Studies worldwide, however, are ongoing to develop treatments for ALS. The Food and Drug Administration has approved seven medications for treating ALS:

• Riluzole (Rilutek, Exservan, Tiglutik)
• Edaravone (Radicava)
• Sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodial (Relyvrio)
• Qalsody (tofersen)
• Tiglutik (thickened riluzole)
• Exservan™ (riluzole oral film)
• Nuedexta®

People living with ALS may maximize their abilities and be made more comfortable with the following treatment/therapeutic options (individuals are encouraged to always consult a doctor or health care professional about available treatments and therapeutic options):

• Medications to relive painful muscle cramps, excess salivation and other symptoms
• Heat or whirlpool therapy to relieve muscle cramping
• Exercise, though recommended in moderation, to help maintain muscle strength and function
• Physical therapy to maintain mobility and ease the discomfort of muscle stiffness, cramps and fluid retention
• Nutritional counseling to promote optimal calories and dietary balance and to offer diet-based help when swallowing becomes difficult
• Speech therapy to maintain as many verbal communication skills as possible and communication training to offer non-verbal techniques
• Devices such as splints, corrective braces, grab bars, reach-extenders, etc. to help with daily activities such as dressing, eating, using the toilet and bathing
• Special equipment such as wheelchairs, electric beds or mattresses to maximize functional independence

ALS scientists at the Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins are working aggressively through targeted research projects to uncover new ALS treatments and to find a cure.

If you are re looking to confirm an ALS diagnosis, learn more about ALS clinical trials or to seek medical care for the disease. Johns Hopkins offers two options for clinical services for people living with ALS.