ALS - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Treating ALS at the Institut Guttman

There are currently no effective drugs that act on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but drugs are available to alleviate the symptoms. 

Neurorehabilitation improves the quality of life of these patients, with the participation of different professionals and from the earliest stages of the disease.

At the Institut Guttmann we carry out a highly specialised neurorehabilitation process aimed at restoring, minimising and/or compensating functional alterations caused by ALS. We provide patients with comprehensive, continuous, personalised care based on the intervention of an expert multidisciplinary team.

Diaphragm pacing system for ALS patients

In more advanced cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the use of a pacing system surgically implanted in the diaphragm represents a significant improvement in quality of life. The diaphragm pacing system is used on patients with certain neuromuscular diseases like ALS who are dependent on continuous mechanical ventilatory support. It causes the diaphragm muscles to contract and helps patients breathe without mechanical support (after adequate training).

In addition to providing a better quality of life, this favours the reduction of recurrent respiratory infections and ultimately, an increase in life expectancy.

The Institut Guttmann is a pioneer in the implantation of this type of pacing system in Spain. It is used for adults and very young children alike (in whom it is used in the case of high cervical spinal cord injuries), with highly satisfactory results.